Miyetti Allah okays Wike’s directive to end open grazing in Abuja

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has given its nod to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to deal with herders that allow their cattle to graze in the city centre.

MACBAN president, Baba Ngelzarma, in an interview, raised concerns that the areas mapped out for the herders to graze their cows in the outskirts of Abuja have been taken over by farmers.

PulseNets recalls that Wike had after his inauguration on Monday said he was determined to restore the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) master plan.

He also threatened to demolish buildings that do not align with the original master plan. He further raised concerns that grasses planted to beautify the FCT has been converted by herders to grazing fields.

Wike had warned that cows were not allowed inside the city but they could graze in the Gwagwalada, Abaji, and other neighboring areas.

Meanwhile, Ngelzarma said that MACBAN has equally set sanctions for pastoralists who breach Wike’s orders.

He explained that the association had an agreement with the federal government to stop pastoralists from grazing or moving into the mapped-out city areas because it constitutes a nuisance.

“We have an agreement with the federal government that from Area 1 to Area 11 in Garki, from Wuse Zone 1 to Zone 7, Maitama, and Asokoro within the central area, it is very embarrassing to see cows roaming the main city.

“This we have done with the leadership of the association at the FCT levels, Area Council levels, and the immediate Fulani leadership grass root levels. We have called them and had series of engagements with them in the FCT to stop roaming the main cities with their cows.

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“So, whoever is allowed to be caught rearing his cattle in the main city is on his own, whoever is allowed to be caught, the law should take its cause, this is because we have severally discussed and drawn the attention of the pastoralist.”