Bayelsa State has issued two weeks ultimatum to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and other operators to move their livestock out of Yenagoa, the state capital, and its environs.
The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Livestock Management Committee, David Alagoa, disclosed this on Monday in an interview with journalists after a meeting between the committee and some South-south chapters of the MACBAN in Yenagoa.
Alagoa, who is also Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources warned that the committee would take action by impounding cows immediately after the expiration of the notice.
He added that movement of cows by foot either at night or in the day would no longer be tolerated in the state.
Alagoa stated that the state government had created opportunities in the meat business for people to take advantage of and establish ranches or grow grass to sell to cattle breeders.
“So we have agreed that we give them a moratorium period of 10 days and by the 14th day, which falls on the 10th of April, we will start impounding (cows).
“If you are interested in the cattle business in Bayelsa, the governor has opened up business opportunities of the huge value chain in the meat business. It is time now. If you have land and you want to ranch, you can ranch, since we are going purely for ranching. If you want to plant grass and sell for cattle, you can sell,” he said.