By Ismail Auwal
Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has warned that any herder found guilty of banditry will face the death penalty.
Ganduje disclosed this on Saturday at the launch of the state-wide mass vaccination for cattle and small ruminants, held in Kadawa, Garun-Mallam LGA of the state.
He further warned that individuals guilty for cattle rustling would face life in prison.
He also said the state government had improved significantly on its efforts to address cattle rustling and clashes between farmers and herders.
“I call on you, the Fulani herders, not to engage in cattle rustling or banditry. Let me tell you that cattle rustling attracts life imprisonment while banditry is a death sentence,” he said.
“I, therefore, caution you to shun these crimes.
“We have provided an enabling environment for you to run your business in tandem with modernity.”
He said the state is targeting one million cattle and small ruminants for the vaccination, adding that the exercise would be an ongoing process.
Ganduje also said in 2021, a total of 703 cattle and 364 sheep and goats were vaccinated, and that no report of infectious disease has been recorded so far.
“Vaccination is free of charge. We have provided food and water for the animals free of charge, aimed at improving animal production,” he said.
“Open grazing is now an old modern system, that is why we introduced the RUGA system where the herders are kept in one place, under good condition and care in order to produce quality milk, meat, oil, among others.”
He also said the 220 youths had been employed by the state to render veterinary services to herders in all the 44 LGAs of the state.
