Worried by the incessant attacks of bandits in the state, Niger State Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, said there is no room for negotiation, but will continue to lobby the heads of security agencies to stop the infiltration of Bandits in some parts of the state.

Bago stated this in Minna at a stakeholders consultative meeting on the implementation of the State Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit

He observed that negotiations with bandits in some states have given rise to cattle rustling in the state, stressing that it is unacceptable and that he will seek the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser (NSA) on the issue.

Speaking further on the slaughtered animals outside the abattoirs in the state, Bago stated that measures will be put in place through relevant authorities to stop bringing such animals slaughtered in the bush to sell in the town.

According to him such measures will ensure that only meats slaughtered in recognised abattoirs are being sold in the markets and that livestock coming into the state are vaccinated.

He also warned that no farmer should farm on the right of way, side by side with the highway, while herders were also warned not to allow their animals to graze on people’s farms, pointing out that anyone found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.

Bago explained that the introduction of the Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit systems is not to frustrate livestock operators but to secure the trade corridors, track animal health status, and strengthen veterinary compliance across markets, farms, and borders.

He said the basic amenities would be provided for grazing reserves across the state, adding that the state has 120,000 hectares of land for grazing reserves across the state, adding that the state is working with the federal ministries of livestock and agriculture to achieve the desired objectives.

  In his address at the forum the Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, Umar Sanda Rabe, described the consultative meeting as a forum to ensure the well-being of animals, secure them, and provide fees for the improvement of the livestock industry.

He also lamented the lack of examination of animals for any possible disease before being slaughtered, saying the checking of animals before they are slaughtered will curb the spread of diseases.

The President, National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors, and Marketers of Nigeria, Alh. Ilyasu Bulama decried the growing menace of cattle rustling in the state.

Also, the Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Niger State Chapter, Umar Abubakar Lapai, said the idea of implementing the veterinary inspection permit will go a long way in ensuring healthy meat consumption, other stakeholders’ representative of Fulani and Butchers association thanked the governor for bringing ideas to stop farmers- herders’ clash.