Fulani group distributes livestock to herders

A Fulani socio-cultural group, Billital Moroobe Pastoralists Association of Nigeria (BILMPAN), has distributed 500 sheep to 248 herders’ settlements to cushion the effect of COVID-19 lockdown and the effect of natural disasters.

The distribution, according to the president of the association, Ali Mohammed Rimindako, is being undertaken in the northwest geo-political zone, which was most affected by the devastation of flooding.

He said they decided to give sheep to the beneficiaries rather than cows because they multiply faster.

The distribution of the palliative, which was launched in Birnin Kebbi, also saw the vaccination of livestock against some killer diseases as well as food items.

Ali said the Fulani herders settlements expected to benefit from the palliative cut across selected settlements in all the states in the northwest zone of the country.

According to him, the distribution is to be carried out in phases adding that after the first phase in the zone, similar intervention would be carried out in other parts of the country.

He added that 31,000 livestock would be vaccinated against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and Peste Des Petits (PPR) as well as deworming of cattle and small ruminant animals in Kebbi State.

He said women would be the major beneficiaries of the sheep palliative.

“The palliative includes the distribution of 150 tons of livestock feeds, 15 tons of rice, 35 tons of millet, 300 gallons of 5 litres of cooking oil and 1,710 COVID-19 health kits.

“Deworming and livestock vaccination against major killer diseases will also be conducted. At least 15,000 cattle will be vaccinated against CBPP and 21,000 small ruminants against PPR.

“BILMPAN is giving assistance to pastoral families faced with cumulative effects of pastoral lean season, insecurity and COVID-19 pandemic. In Kebbi State, the project will be implemented in six local government areas of Bagudo, Jega, Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Gwandu and Augie,” he said.