'We want tracking device on our cows' - Fulani herdsmen

Cattle Breeders Joint Association of Nigeria, a Fulani socio-cultural organization, has called for the speedy placement of tracking chips on livestock to prevent cattle rustling.

The group said the chips would also help in identifying cattle.

In a stakeholders sensitization meeting in Kaduna on Monday, the group discussed on issues such as the clashes between herdsmen and farmers, cattle rustling, grazing reserves, livestock identification and tracking, and disease control.

In his speech, Kachia Hussaini, the National Chief Coordinator of the group, called on the government to include livestock identification and tracking methods for all grazing animals in Nigeria.

“We have resolved to support all government and private sector initiatives towards proper livestock identification and tracking,” he said. “We also condemn in strong terms the attack on unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of Fulani herdsmen. We therefore resolved to encourage peace-building campaigns among Fulani herdsmen and other peace loving Nigerians.”

He said the meeting also seeks to promote cattle breeding management, facilitate control of livestock movements and “adopt new measures aimed at livestock management in Nigeria.”

Recall that the brutal activities of herdsmen across the country have sacked residents from their homes and communities.

Mr. Hussaini called on federal and state governments to fast track plans on grazing reserves and livestock identification across the country.