Angered by continued movement of cattle in Abuja metropolis despite several warnings by the Federal Capital Territory Authorities, the Senate Committee on FCT has ordered slaughtering of any cow found in the city centre.

The directive was handed down by its chairman, Senator Dino Melaye (APC Kogi West) to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, when he appeared before the committee yesterday.

Melaye, who gave the order in a speech read at the session, said it was very “disappointing, annoying and embarrassing” that despite ban placed on cattle grazing in FCT by FCTA authority, some stubborn herdsmen were still moving cattle along and across highways within the metropolis.

He, therefore, ordered the FCT minister to go beyond the ban by facilitating the killing order issued by the senate committee.

“Honourable Minister, Senate as an institution is not happy at how Fulani Herdsmen continue to move their cows across the city centre, which we are aware you have given directive against that some time ago.

“From now, get knives and ask your men to slaughter cows found in the capital city or prosecute herdsmen seen with cows in the city centre with a fine of N50,000 per cow. This order must be carried out,” he said.

Melaye further revealed that the Senate was in receipt of complaints that some residents of the territory were converting their apartments into hotels and brothels, a situation he said was distorting original master plan of the city.

He noted that some people were already undermining FCT authority under his watch which he said was unacceptable.

Meanwhile, FCT officials and Nigeria Military who appeared before Committee, declined hearing over unconstitutional acquisition of 238 hectare of land situated at Maitama extension.

In response to the Committee’s demand that the said plot was being investigated based on petitions it received from the public that Nigeria Military had chased away FCDA contractors, who were working on infrastructure, earlier in the months, the minister pleaded that FCDA be allowed to discuss with those concerned, believing they would revert to the Senate

Major General Pat Ake who represented the Chief of Army Staff at the session, submitted that Nigeria Military was capable of resolving the impasse with FCDA failure of which he said, would make them revert to the Senate. (Peoples Daily)

•Photo shows cattle.

Update news