Control of Roaming Cows Not Police Responsibility — Spokesperson

ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force has said controlling roaming cattle in the Federal Capital Territory is not within its mandate, stressing that its intervention would only arise where the animals are involved in an offence.

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

Iniedu explained that the responsibility for controlling animals, including cattle, rested with relevant environment authorities, while the police would intervene where the animals caused damage to property, trespassed or were otherwise involved in an 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 spokesperson said the police would investigate any formal complaint concerning offences 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 stated.

The clarification followed concerns over the continued movement of cattle on major roads and other public areas in Abuja, with residents raising issues relating to public safety, traffic and possible damage to property.

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, had previously declined to comment on the issue, saying he had the capacity to deal with cattle grazing in Abuja but would not discuss it because it was related to national security.

“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 National Security Adviser and the Director-General of the Department of State Services. You know why I can’t touch it,” Wike said.

Source: PUNCH