3 days ago
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Cows have been noticeably roaming Abuja streets months after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, threatened to end open grazing in the nation’s capital city.
Naija News recalls that Wike vowed to end open grazing in Abuja over sixteen months ago.
The Minister made this promise not long after his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We will consult with the herdsmen to see how we will stop [open grazing] because we cannot allow cows inside the city,” the former Governor of Rivers State had said in August 2023.
Also, in March 2024, during a meeting with the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand, Wike reiterated this stance.
Over the last 16 months, journalists have conducted observations in key areas throughout the city and its satellite towns to evaluate the enforcement of the policy.
According to the Daily Post, the results indicate that cattle continue to graze within the urban environment.
The media platform reported that in August 2024, a substantial herd of cattle was observed near the Defence Headquarters, traversing the road with notable presence during peak working hours.
Likewise, in September 2024, another herd was seen in close proximity to the newly built residence of the Vice President, directly across from the entrance of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Despite the threats and commitments made by Wike during his tenure as minister, similar occurrences of cattle have been reported throughout the city.
“The minister is gradually coming to terms with the ‘politics of cattle’ within the context of Nigeria,” Shefiu Adio, a city resident and a taxi driver, told newsmen when cows blocked the road near the traffic light close to the Defence Headquarters.
He explained that the conversation around cows has become highly politicised, adding that such an order by the minister is seen as targeting northerners, who are predominantly involved in cattle rearing.
“Wike must understand how delicate the situation is in Nigeria when it comes to cows.
“In Rivers State, that order would have been obeyed without question. However, in Abuja, seen as the capital where everyone is equal, his directive would be seen as an attack against northerners,” Adio stated as many passengers in his vehicle fumed over the audacity of the herders.
The publication further reported instances of open grazing in 16 areas throughout the city, notably in Asokoro Extension and Guzape. Along Airport Road, herders are seen allowing their cattle to graze on the grass that grows along the highway.
Many residents colloquially refer to these cows as “government children.”
Several residents have voiced hope that the recent establishment of the Ministry of Livestock may result in more effective solutions.
“Rapid urbanisation is not helping matters. Many Fulani communities have been displaced, and areas that once provided grasses for cows now have estates on them,” Umar Ubandawaki, who runs a cattle stand at Deidei Market, told reporters in a phone conversation.
It was further gathered that many herders’ settlements in Katampe, Sabo Lugbe, and other rapidly developing areas had been displaced by developers.
“The minister must offer better solutions rather than threats,” Mr Ubandawaki said.
Naija News reports that Wike has previously issued statements that have been largely overlooked.
Several months ago, he mandated the expulsion of beggars from various areas of the city.
In certain cases, this removal was executed with force. Nevertheless, beggars continue to inhabit numerous locations within the Federal Capital Territory.
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