Oyo State Government has stated that herdsman caught with guns will be treated as criminals and prosecuted accordingly.

This was stated in a communiqué issued at the end of the Oyo State Inter-Religious/Ethnic Committee (OYSIREC) held on Thursday in Ibadan at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s office.

The meeting was attended by religious, tribal, ethnic and community leaders including security agents across the state with the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi in attendance with the main objective of proffering solutions to and preventing ethnic and religious conflicts in the state.

OYSIREC appealed to preachers of different religions to stop preaching hate and inciting sermons that derogate other religions, urging that religious leaders should commend the good policies of government to their congregation and advise appropriately when necessary.

“Religious leaders should support government in implementing its good policies by preaching regularly in the holy places on issues such as: Clean Environment; Respect for Elders and People in Authority and other good initiatives of government", the communique added.

OYSIREC explained that a sub-Committee on Security has been constituted to address issues such as Herdsmen/Farmers clashes and activities as well as the utterances of extreme religious preachers.