In order to cope with herders who are letting their cows graze in the city centre, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has approved the appointment of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
However, it sparked worries that farmers had occupied the cow-grazing grounds designated for herders on the outskirts of Abuja.
These were said by Baba Ngelzarma, president of MACBAN, in an interview with The Whistler.
After being sworn in on Monday, Wike declared his intention to revive the FCT blueprint.
He vowed to tear down any structures that did not follow the original master design. He also expressed worry that grasses intended to improve the FCT’s appearance had been used for grazing by herders.
Wike cautioned that although cows were not permitted inside the city, they were permitted to graze in the Gwagwalada, Abaji, and surrounding districts.
According to Ngelzarma, MACBAN has also established penalties for pastoralists who disobey Wike’s commands.
The Whistle reported that Ngelzarma claimed the group and the federal government had an agreement to prevent pastoralists from grazing or relocating into the designated city areas since doing so would be a nuisance.
He said, “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.
“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.”