President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday evening declared war on rampaging Fulani herdsmen, saying that ending their attacks on innocent citizens and communities is now a national priority. He spoke through his Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) Garba Shehu against the backdrop of the outrage that greeted Monday’s devastating attacks on an Enugu community by the herdsmen.

Shehu said in a statement issued in Abuja: “President Muhammadu Buhari assures all Nigerians, once again, of his administration’s continued commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in all parts of the country.

“President Buhari unreservedly condemns the attack on Ukpabi Nimbo on other such acts of extreme violence against communities in other states of the Federation.

“Acting on the President’s directive, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of the nation's other security agencies are already taking urgent steps to fully investigate the attacks, apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“Ending the recent upsurge of attacks on communities by herdsmen reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons is now a priority on the Buhari Administration's agenda for enhanced national security and the Armed Forces and Police have clear instructions to take all necessary action to stop the carnage.

“In keeping with the President’s directive, the Inspector-General of Police, the General Officer Commanding the 82nd Division of the Nigerian Army and the Director of the Department of State Security in Enugu State have visited Ukapbi Nimbo to personally oversee investigations into the attack on the community and ongoing efforts to apprehend the culprits.

“Meanwhile, President Buhari is scheduled to meet with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi later today to receive further briefing on the attack on Ukpabi Nimbo and discuss additional measures to forestall similar attacks and restore public confidence.

“The President urges all Nigerians to remain calm and assured of his administration's readiness to deploy all required personnel and resources to remove this new threat to the collective security of the nation.”

•Photo shows President Buhari.