Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr Musa Kimo, has warned herdsmen in the state against going about with AK47 rifles, saying any one caught will be treated as a criminal.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Kimo, handed down the warning, yesterday, at a Town Hall meeting he convened at the Police officers mess in Port Harcourt to enhance relationship between herdsmen and communities in the state.
Those at the meeting were members of the various security agencies and some leaders of the herdsmen.
The Police chief said no crisis had been witnessed between herdsmen and communities in the state, adding that the programme was to improve the relationship between the police and the people.
“I cannot confirm any arrest, but it is possible that there are arrests in some other commands. Certainly, it is unlawful for herdsmen to carry AK 47 rifles. Anyone seen would be arrested. Let us know that herdsmen and other persons who carry arms are nothing but criminals,” he said.
The Enugu State government, on Monday, had banned the Fulani herdsmen from carrying any sort of weapons as well as prohibiting them from rearing cattle/grazing in the night.
The bans followed series of attacks and threats of violence by herdsmen on host communities which had resulted to loss of lives and property in some states including Abia, Enugu and Benue.
