Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said that the negotiation with bandits by neighbouring states has caused an influx of bandits into his state.
While decrying the infiltration of cattle rustlers and bandits into the state, he vowed not to engage in any form of negotiation.
The governor spoke during a stakeholders consultative meeting on the implementation of the State Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit held in Minna,
He observed that negotiations with bandits in some states have given rise to castle rustling, which is unacceptable.
In view of the trend, he said the president and the national security adviser will be asked to intervene on the issue.
On the issue of people bringing in slaughtered meat from the bush to sell, the governor said necessary measures will be taken through relevant authorities to ensure only meat slaughtered in recognised abattoirs is sold in the markets and that livestock coming into the state must be vaccinated.
He also directed that no farmer should farm on the right-of-way that is side by side with the highway and warned herders not to allow their animals to graze on people’s farms, pointing out that anyone found wanting would be dealt with.
The governor said the Animal Disease Control Act of 2022, Sections 18 and 19, has empowered the state through the Department of Animal Health and Veterinary Services to issue permits for the transportation of animals, poultry, and animal products. He said it was a practical tool to safeguard public health, improve market systems, and protect livelihoods.
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