Abia State government has announced its decision to restrict the movement of cattle in some parts of Umuahia, the State capital, in efforts to keep the city clean and orderly.
The Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency ASEPA, Umuahia Zone, Ambrose Jonah, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Umuahia on Monday.
He recalled that the State government had earlier advised cattle herders to adopt ranching instead of allowing cows roam freely within the city.
According to him, areas affected by the restriction include the Government House area, Workers’ Secretariat, Commissioners’ Quarters, Aba Road, and other major government and residential zones.
The ASEPA Deputy General Manager who warned that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted going forward, also cautioned truck drivers against littering the streets with refuse while transporting waste to disposal sites.
He noted that the unrestricted movement of cows has led to environmental degradation and conflicts in some communities, adding that reports of confrontations and arrests had already been recorded.
He stressed that security agencies and community leaders would be involved in enforcing the restrictions peacefully.
The ASEPA DGM explained that a list of roads and areas where cows would no longer be allowed would be officially communicated, especially locations housing government offices, major estates, and newly constructed roads.
Speaking at the meeting, the traditional ruler of the Hausa community in Abia State, Sarkin Yaro Danladi, commended ASEPA for engaging stakeholders and promised to relay the government’s directive to his people.
Sarkin Danladi acknowledged that while some non-Hausa residents also own cows, the government restriction would apply to everyone without exception.
Abia govt to restrict movement of cattle in parts of Umuahia
