The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has prohibited open grazing of cattle in Abuja..

The Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Hassan Abubakar, in an interview on Wednesday, stated that the one-month ultimatum issued to the pastoralists had expired, adding that violators would be sanctioned henceforth.

Dr. Abubakar said over 100 cattle  earlier confiscated were returned after their owners were fined by courts, adding that any herdsman found grazing his animals on Abuja streets would be penalized heavily, adding that a special team has been established to enforce the directive.

The Administration said it had communicated the directive to the leadership of the Fulani herdsmen in the FCT.

The FCTA’s decision  is coming against the ban on open grazing by the Northern Governors’ Forum, which described the practice as outdated.

According to Abubakar, the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, has earmarked five locations for cattle grazing in Abaji, Kwali and Kuje Area Councils.

He said, “We held meetings with the leadership of Fulani herdsmen in the FCT and they have agreed on so many issues. We have given them time, which they asked for, and when the time lapses, we will strike. They are not allowed to graze inside the city; that’s prohibited.

“Even the minister has approved some grazing areas where RUGA is going to be created; about five areas. We have one around Kwali; another one in Abaji and one in Kuje.