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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State Government said it is planning to conduct livestock census as part of efforts to end farmers/herders clashes and other forms of criminalities in the state.
The Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor on Livestock Development and Trans boundary Animal Disease Control, Aondoakaa Asambe, disclosed this yesterday,after an assessment of abattoirs and livestock markets in Makurdi.
Asambe said it has become necessary for the government to conduct livestock census to have an idea of the number of livestock in the state and their owners.
He said Governor Hyacinth Alia was desirous of turning around the fortunes of the livestock industry in the state.
According to him, all livestock establishment in the state would be resuscitated in the middle and long term,while production would step up with improved livestock breeds.
Asambe said, “In the short terms, our plans are to conduct the census, register livestock farmers, hatcheries, feed mills with the sole target of first meeting up with the local consumption demands.”
He said knowing the accurate data of livestock in the state would not only end farmers/herders clashes, cattle rustling, and other related crimes but also government interventions would meet the target people in the industry.
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“Conducting livestock census or animals census come 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 animals rustling. By the time animals 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.
“ It is unfortunate that all abattoirs visited within Makurdi the State Capital do not meet the minimum standards for slaughter house . They do not have access to potable water, good roads and lack basic hygiene standard”.
He said that the State Government was determined to bring serious transformation into the industry and urged stakeholders to support the government to succeed.
Speaking to newsmen, Chairman, Meat Shops Owners Association,Makurdi branch, Austin Ugwu, appealed to the government to provide water and access road for them.
Ugwu who spoke at Wurukum abattoir said they also needed good working environment to carryout their businesses.
