Benue State to Conduct Livestock Census to Address Farmers-Herders Clashes

• According to Dr. Asambe, the census is part of efforts to address ongoing clashes between farmers and herders
  

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The Benue State Government has announced plans to carry out a livestock census to collect detailed data on animals and their owners across the state.

Dr. Aondoaka Asambe, the Principal Special Assistant to the State Governor on Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Disease Control, made this known on Monday in Makurdi during an inspection of abattoirs and livestock markets.

According to Dr. Asambe, the census is part of efforts to address ongoing clashes between farmers and herders as well as curb criminal activities in the livestock sector.

“Conducting a livestock census offers numerous benefits,” he stated. “Primarily, it will help control the recurrent clashes between farmers and herders in the state. Additionally, it will curb cattle rustling. Once the census is completed, animals will be tagged and easily traceable to their owners. This tagging system will also extend to animals at abattoirs, significantly reducing crime within the industry.”

The government also plans to register livestock farmers, hatcheries, and feed mills to address immediate local consumption demands while working toward medium- and long-term goals of revitalising livestock establishments and improving production with better breeds.

Dr. Asambe expressed concern over the substandard conditions of abattoirs in Makurdi, highlighting issues such as a lack of potable water, inadequate road infrastructure, and poor hygiene practices. He called for urgent improvements to bring them up to minimum slaughterhouse standards.

In response, Mr. Austin Ugwu, Chairman of the Meat Shop Owners Association, Makurdi branch, urged the state government to create an enabling environment for their businesses to thrive, emphasizing the need for better facilities and support for the livestock sector.

The initiative aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to revitalising the livestock industry and enhancing its contribution to the state’s economy.