Police not responsible for control of roaming cattle in Abuja – Spokesman

The control of cattle roaming the streets of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does not fall within the responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force, its spokesman, CSP Ani Iniedu has said.

Iniedu made this known at the joint security spokespersons’ briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, a social media user shared a video of a herd of cattle roaming the city centre, a sight that has become all too common for residents.

“This is the heart of Abuja. Imagine vehicles waiting for cows to pass,” he said while filming the scene.

However, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) said the police could only get involved if the animals were involved in an offence.

“The responsibility for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of the Environment. Where we come in is if the cow has committed an offence or the cow is involved in the destruction of your property or trespassing your property.

“If that is the case, it is reported to the nearest police station,” Iniedu said in response to enquiries about animals roaming freely in the nation’s capital.

He explained that the police would never shirk its responsibility to investigate any complaint formally lodged about any offence committed by roaming cattle.

“We will commence investigation immediately. That is if a complaint was made. If it is going out to look for cows, it is not one of our responsibilities,” Iniedu stated.