Herds of cattle, dubbed “government children”, roam free because the issue is “politicised”
Herds of cattle and their armed rearers still roam free in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) more than a year after Minister Nyesom Wike pledged to end open grazing in Abuja.
“We will consult with the herdsmen to see how we will stop [open grazing] because we cannot allow cows inside the city,” Wike said on 23 August 2023.
He reiterated this stand in March 2024 during a meeting with the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand.
DAILY POST reports that over the past 16 months, it monitored major spots around the city and satellite towns to assess the implementation of the policy. The findings reveal that cows are still grazing freely in the city.
In August 2024, a large herd of cattle was spotted around Defence Headquarters (DHQ), moving majestically in the middle of the road during working hours.
In September 2024, another herd was spotted very close to the newly constructed residence of the Vice President, opposite the gate of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
There have been similar sightings of cows across the city despite Wike’s threats and promises as Minister.
“The Minister is gradually coming to terms with the ‘politics of cattle’ within the context of Nigeria,” Shefiu Adio, a resident of the city and a taxi driver, told DAILY POST when cows blocked the road near the traffic light close to DHQ.
Adio explained that the conversation around cows has become highly politicised, and such an order by Wike 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,” he counselled.
“In Rivers State [where Wike was Governor], 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.”
However, other residents of the city are fuming over the audacity of the herders.
There is open grazing in 16 locations across the city, including Asokoro Extension and Guzape. Along the Airport Road, herders graze their cows on grasses growing on the highway.
Many residents publicly refer to these cows as “government children”.
Some have expressed optimism that the recent creation of the Ministry of Livestock could lead to more practical solutions.
“Rapid urbanisation is not helping matters. Many Fulani communities have been displaced, and areas that once provided grasses for cows now have estates in them,” said Umar Ubandawaki, who runs a cattle stand at Deidei Market.
Many herders’ settlements in Katampe, Sabo Lugbe, and other rapidly developing areas have been displaced by developers.
“The Minister must offer better solutions rather than threats,” Ubandawaki added.
This is not the first time Wike has made pronouncements that were largely ignored.
Some months ago, he ordered the removal of beggars from most parts of the city.
In some instances, they were forcefully removed but the beggars are still occupying several locations in the FCT.
– Daily Post.
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