From Fred Itua, Abuja
One year after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) ordered Fulani herdsmen to vacate the city centre and stop open grazing in the city, FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, yesterday, reiterated the position.
At a meeting with FCT chapter of the Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Bello insisted herdsmen must move their cattle out of Abuja.
The minister said there is no way such animals can co-habit with the residents and emphasised that, for safety reasons, cattle should not roam on the streets and highways in the city
“You have to understand that when Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) 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.
“In a modern city, its 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.”
In order to achieve meaningful results, the minister implored the association to nominate some of their members to serve in the Ministerial Task Team on Environment to ensure that there is smooth communication between FCTA and the herders.
“You can give him some number of educated young men in your communities who will be part of some of these committee so that they will be able to communicate,” he added.
Bello said the FCT Administration has moved a step further to even identify new grazing reserves that will cater for their requirements.
“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,” the Minister revealed.
Bello noted that the critical issue is compensation for the farmers that are there but assured that his dministration will work together with the National Assembly to resolve the issue amicably.
In August 2015, then FCTA Permanent Secretary, John Obinna Chukwu ordered herdsmen to stop grazing in the city.
Herdsmen refused to obey the order and continued to graze in the city.
Last month, during a meeting with the minister, Senate Committee Chairman on FCT, Dino Melaye urged residents to slaughter cows seen roaming the streets of Abuja.
Melaye had said since the administration was unwilling to tame the herdsmen, residents should step in and stop open grazing of cattle in the nation’s capital city.