Benue State to conduct livestock census

The Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Disease Control, Dr. Aondoaka Asambe, has announced that the state government will soon conduct a livestock census.

This initiative aims not only to provide statistics on both the livestock and their owners but also to curb the frequent farmers/herders clashes and other forms of criminality across the state.

During his visit to abattoirs in Makurdi, Asambe emphasized the government’s commitment to revamping the livestock industry in Benue.

He assured that all livestock establishments in the state would be resuscitated in the short to medium term, with production boosted through the introduction of improved livestock breeds.

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“As part of our strategy, we plan to conduct a livestock census to register farmers, hatcheries, and feed mills. This will help us meet local consumption demands and ultimately reduce the frequent clashes between farmers and herders,” Asambe stated.

“By tagging all animals and ensuring that animals coming to abattoirs have tags, we can trace all livestock to their owners, thereby reducing crime in the industry to the barest minimum.”

Decrying the current state of abattoirs in Makurdi, Asambe noted that they do not meet minimum standards due to poor infrastructure, including inadequate roads, lack of potable water, and poor hygiene conditions.

Meanwhile, Mr. Austin Ugwu, Chairman of the Meat Shops Owners Association in Makurdi, urged the state government to create a more supportive environment for businesses in the sector.