A total number of 33,485 hectares of land have been earmarked for grazing reserves in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has said.

He said the grazing area would cater for about 7 million herds of cattle comprising areas in the city such as Paikon Kore – 8,500 hectares, Karshi – 6,000 hectares, Kawu in Bwari – 9,000 hectares and Rubochi in Kuje council, 9,985 hectares. Bello made this revelation yesterday in his office when members of the Abuja chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) visited him.

According to him, the FCT Administration has moved a step further to identify new grazing reserves that will cater for the needs of herdsmen in the FCT.

Bello also said in a modern city like Abuja, it’s not possible for animals and vehicles to move together on the roads because this could cause accidents, which in some cases could be fatal as lives and property are meant to be protected.

While responding, Chairman of the FCT Chapter of MACBAN, Malam Yahaya Isah said his association would continue to interface with government to promote peaceful co-existence.

Isah further said that cattle breeders in Abuja would enlighten the rest of its members not to roam their cattle on the streets and highways of the capital city.