Nigerian governors from the southern part of the country have resolved to ban open grazing of cattle in their states.
This was part of the 12 resolutions reached by the governors at a meeting on Tuesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
Open grazing of cattle has often caused conflicts between host communities and migrant herders, leading to several deaths in many states.
Some of the herders have also been accused of committing other criminal acts, including armed robbery, kidnappings and murder.
At the meeting, 15 out of 17 governors were in attendance. They are Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos)
Others are Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Willie Obiano (Anambra).
Imo and Akwa Ibom States were represented by their deputy governors, at the meeting while governors of Osun and Cross Rivers States were absent.
The governors called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ”summon a national dialogue as a matter of urgency and to also address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity.”
The meeting comes on the heels of attacks on security officials and facilities in the South-east and South-south regions of the country.
It also reported how dozens of police officers and other security operatives have been killed on weekly basis in recent times.
The government has repeatedly blamed an outlawed secessionist group, IPOB, for the attacks though the group continues to deny responsibility.
Aside the total ban on open grazing in the southern zone, the forum restated commitment to the unity of the country.
It also called on the federal government to review its appointments, particularly that of heads of security agencies in such a way that would reflect federal character.