The Nigeria Police Force has said controlling cows roaming freely on roads and public spaces in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is not the responsibility of the police.
Police spokesperson, CSP Ani Iniedu, stated this on Tuesday during a joint briefing by security spokespersons while responding to concerns over the increasing presence of roaming cattle on major roads and other public areas in Abuja.
Iniedu said the responsibility for controlling cattle and other animals rested with the relevant environmental authorities, noting that the police would only intervene when the animals were linked to criminal offences, destruction of property or trespass.
“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,” he said.
“If that is the case, it is reported to the nearest police station.”
He said the police would immediately investigate complaints relating to damage or other offences involving roaming cattle, but would not go out in search of cows.
“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 said.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern over cattle moving freely along roads and in other parts of Abuja, raising fears over road safety, traffic obstruction and damage to property.
The latest position by the police is expected to further raise questions about which FCT authorities are responsible for enforcing regulations against uncontrolled grazing and protecting residents and motorists from the dangers posed by roaming cattle in the nation’s capital.
