The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has ordered members of the Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, to move their cattle out of the nation’s capital.
The minister said the order became imperative, “because there is no way such animals can co-habit with the residents.”
A statement on Monday in Abuja, by the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Muhammad Sule, quoted Bello as making this statement during a meeting with the cattle breeders’ association in Abuja.
This, he added, was not because the government wanted to prevent cattle breeders from raring their animals in the FCT.
“You have to understand that when Abuja Environmental Protection Board says cattle should not roam the city, it is not because they want to prevent cattle breeders from raring cattle in the FCT. Basically, it is just for safety. It is for safety of your cattle and above all, safety of the citizens,” the minister told the herdsmen.
He added that, “In a modern city, it’s not possible for animals and vehicles to move together on the roads because this could cause accidents which in some cases could be fatal, and it is our duty to protect lives and property.”
The minister implored the cattle breeders to nominate some of their members to serve in the Ministerial Task Team on Environment under the Chairmanship of Sqr. Ldr. Abdullahi Monjel, to ensure smooth communication between the FCTA and their association.
He disclosed that 33,485 hectares had been set aside in the suburbs as grazing reserves for about seven million herds of cattle.
The minister said, “A total of 33,485 hectares have already been earmarked for grazing reserves to cater for about 7 million herds of cattle comprising of Paikon Kore – 8,500 hectares, Karshi – 6,000 hectares, Kawu in Bwari – 9,000 hectares and Rubochi in Kuje which is 9,985 hectares.”
He assured that his ministry would work with the national assembly to compensate farmers whose crops were destroyed by the cattle rearers in the course of grazing their animals.
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