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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State government has announced plans to conduct a livestock census as part of efforts to end farmers/herders clashes and other forms of criminality in the state.
The Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor on Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Disease Control, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, disclosed this on Monday after an assessment of abattoirs and livestock markets in Makurdi.
Asambe said it has become necessary for the government to conduct a livestock census to have an accurate idea of the number of livestock in the state and their owners.
He said Governor Hyacinth Alia is committed to turning around the fortunes of the livestock industry in the state.
According to him, all livestock establishments in the state would be resuscitated in the medium and long term, while production would be stepped up with improved livestock breeds.
Asambe said, “In the short term, our plans are to conduct the census, register livestock farmers, hatcheries, and feed mills, with the sole target of first meeting up with local consumption demands.”
He added that knowing the accurate data of livestock in the state would not only help end farmers/herders clashes, cattle rustling, and other related crimes but also ensure that government interventions reach the target people in the industry.
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“Conducting a livestock census or animal census comes with a whole lot of benefits. The major one being that it helps to control the incessant clashes between farmers and herders that we have been having in the state.
“It will also control animal rustling. By the time the animal census is conducted, we will be able to trace all animals to their owners because they will all have tags.
“All animals coming to abattoirs must also have tags, so in this case, crime will be reduced within the industry to the barest minimum.”
Asambe further decried that all the abattoirs visited within Makurdi, the state capital, do not meet the minimum standards for slaughterhouses, noting that they all lack access to potable water, good roads, and basic hygiene standards.
He said the State Government is determined to bring serious transformation to the industry and urged stakeholders to support the government in order to succeed.
Speaking to newsmen, Chairman of the Meat Shops Owners Association, Makurdi branch, Mr. Austin Ugwu, appealed to the government to provide water and access roads for them.
Ugwu, who spoke at Wurukum abattoir, said they also need a good working environment to carry out their businesses.
