- Straying cows’ incidents take 10 lives in Bauchi State
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) says the construction of a modern international cattle market in Soro village, Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State will avert accidental deaths caused by straying cows during market days in the village.
This is as available statistics indicate that about 10 lives have so far been lost in incidents involving strayed cows because the cattle market is located close to a residential area.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEDC, Dr Mohammad Goni Alkali said the decision to construct an international cattle market in Soro was taken to safeguard the lives and property of the locals who have been victims of stray cows’ attacks over the years.
Alkali, who spoke during an assessment visit to the project site in Soro on Friday, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work done so far, assuring that the project will be completed by the end of 2021 with the commissioning slated for early 2022.
He assured that all required facilities, including electricity, water, public VIP toilets, and other conveniences, will be provided within the market for ease of doing business, adding that in its mandate delivery, the Commission will continue to intervene in areas aimed at making life easier for people in the North-East zone.
“I have known about this market since my school years and how important it is to the people of the area. Based on the information we have, we decided to relocate the market to a safer and better place”, NEDC boss said during the visit.
In his remarks, Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela who led the inspection team, expressed satisfaction with the progress so far, noting that it will assist in decongesting the town on market days as well as protect innocent residents from harm’s way.
He however said provision should be made to ensure business transactions in the market becomes easier with mobile banking on market days since Nigeria is playing in the global cashless society
The Deputy Governor also praised NEDC for constructing the modern cattle market as well as other interventions in the state since its inception.
On his part, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf said local ownership of the market project was imperative to make it viable and durable, adding that; “when the people are involved, they tend to be more concerned about the project’s sustainability”.
Speaking earlier, the Member representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, Mansur Manu Soro told the inspection team relocating the market to a new site has made the people heave a sigh of relief as their lives are now safe from some rampaging cows.
The lawmaker said; “worried by the loss of lives in the cattle market” his motion on the floor of the House eventually led to the NEDC’s timely intervention, adding; “I am very happy that today, the project is moving on well”.
He also said, “considering the size and volume of cattle that come in every market day, we decided to expand the market to conveniently accommodate 3000 cattle at a time and make business transactions easier for the people”.
According to him, when completed, the new cattle market will reduce congestion on the main highway and reduce the risk of people getting killed by oncoming vehicles during the market days.
On completion, the new international cattle market will have 48 locked up stalls; two restaurants to accommodate about 100 people at a time; a 200 persons capacity mosque; a mini cattle clinic; two boreholes; and VIP toilets.
