Roaming Cows In Abuja Not Our Responsibility—Police

The Nigeria Police Force has said controlling roaming cattle in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is not part of its responsibility, stressing that it would only intervene when the animals are linked to an offence.

The police spokesperson, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a joint security agencies’ spokespersons’ briefing in Abuja while responding to questions about the increasing presence of cattle on major roads and public spaces in the nation’s capital.

Iniedu said the responsibility for controlling roaming animals rests with the relevant environmental authorities and not the police.

According to him, the police would intervene where cattle destroy property, trespass or become involved in any other offence.

“The responsibility for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of the Environment.

“Where we come in is if the cow has committed an offence or the cow is involved in the destruction of your property or trespassing your property.
“If that is the case, it is reported to the nearest police station,” he said.

The police spokesperson said the force would immediately investigate any formal complaint involving an offence allegedly committed by roaming cattle.

“We will commence investigation immediately. That is if a complaint was made. If it is going out to look for cows, it is not one of our responsibilities,” Iniedu added.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns over the frequent sighting of cattle roaming freely along major roads and other public spaces across Abuja.
The development has raised concerns about road safety, traffic disruptions, destruction of property and the potential danger posed to residents and motorists.

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had previously declined to comment extensively on the issue, saying the matter was connected to national security.

Wike had said he had the capacity to address cattle grazing in Abuja but would not discuss the issue because of its alleged national security implications.

“I have the capacity to deal with cow grazing in Abuja, but I won’t talk about it because it’s national security. Go to the NSA and the DSS DG. You know why I can’t touch it,” the minister said.