News
Katsina State Prohibits Farming on Cattle Routes
The Katsina State Government has announced a ban on farming along cattle routes and grazing reserves throughout the state, effective from this farming season.
Abdullahi Faskari, the Secretary to the State Government, made this announcement during a conflict resolution tour of Mai’adua and Zango Local Government Areas. The tour was prompted by reports from herders indicating that their traditional cattle routes, essential for accessing grazing lands, had been obstructed by agricultural activities.
Faskari revealed that both herders and farmers were convened in Katsina to address the issue, particularly concerning a cattle route leading to the Niger Republic. He stated, “We invited both herders and farmers, along with local government chairpersons, to verify the claims.”
An agreement was reached that farmers could harvest the current crops on the cattle routes, but this would be the final farming season permitted on those paths. The affected local government areas include Mashi, Kaita, Dutsinma, Mai’adua, and Zango.
“The traditional institution played a vital role in facilitating these discussions, and we can confirm that after this season’s harvest, farming will no longer be allowed on the designated cattle routes,” Faskari noted.
In addition to addressing the cattle route issue, the inspection team also looked into reports of illegal encroachment on forest reserves in the region, where over 70 hectares of land were reportedly cultivated without authorization. Faskari mentioned, “We have gathered information to tackle this issue in accordance with Governor Dikko Radda’s directives.”
The team further visited Zango local government to investigate concerns about forest land being converted into farmland. Faskari emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing conflicts, stating that efforts will continue with plans to visit other local government areas, including Kaita and Mashi, where similar disputes have arisen.
“Our goal is to prevent these disputes from escalating into larger conflicts. We encourage farmers and herders to report any issues to the government, and we are dedicated to taking prompt action to maintain peace,” he concluded, reiterating the government’s aim to promote peaceful coexistence and protect grazing routes and forest reserves.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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