FROM SAMSON ALFA, MINNA
Worried over the incessant attacks by bandits, Niger State governor, Umar Bago, said there is no room for negotiation, but will continue to lobby heads of security agencies to stop the infiltration of bandits into some parts of the state.
Bago stated this in Minna at a stakeholders consultative meeting on the implementation of the State Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit.
The governor observed that negotiations with bandits in some states have given rise to cattle rustling in Niger, stressing that it is unacceptable and that he will seek the intervention of the president and the National Security Adviser, NSA, on the issue.
Speaking on the slaughtering of animals outside abattoirs, Bago stated that measures would be put in place through relevant authorities to stop bringing animals slaughtered in the bush to sell in towns.
According to him, such measures will ensure that only meat slaughtered in recognised abattoirs are being sold in markets and that livestock coming into the state are vaccinated.
He also warned that no farmer should farm on the right of way, side by side with the highway, while herders were also warned not to allow their animals graze on people’s farms, pointing out that anyone found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.
The governor explained that the introduction of Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit System is not to frustrate livestock operators, but to secure the trade corridors, track animal health status and strengthen veterinary compliance across markets, farms and borders.
He said basic amenities would be provided for grazing reserves, adding that the state has 120,000 hectares of land for grazing reserves.
Bago added that Niger is working with the federal ministries of livestock and agriculture to achieve the desired objectives..
In his address at the forum, the Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, Umar Rabe, described the consultative meeting as a forum to ensure the well-being of animals, secure them and provide fee for the improvement of the livestock industry.
He also lamented the lack of examination of animals for possible diseases before being slaughtered, saying checking of animals before they are slaughtered will curb the spread of diseases.
The President, National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria, Alhaji Ilyasu Bulama decried the growing menace of cattle rustling in the state.
Also, the State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Niger State Chapter, Umar Lapai, said implementing the veterinary inspection permit will go a long way in ensuring healthy meat consumption.
Other stakeholders and representatives of Fulani and the Butchers Association thanked the governor for bringing ideas to stop farmer/herders clash.
