Katsina poultry farmers lose N216m to theft, banditry

Poultry farmers in Katsina have lost N216m as a result of banditry and theft of chickens from late last year to date, the chairman of the state chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Umar Lawal Sanda, has said.

Speaking with Daily Trust on Sunday, Sanda said over 13 farms had been broken into with over 20,000 chickens stolen and each bird having an estimated value of N10,800 because of its productive value.

According to him, the devastating security challenge is greatly affecting the poultry industry in the state, adding, “Stealing of chickens in organised and professional manners is alarming and calls for greater actions from all concerned.

“It is in view of this that we want to note this dangerous trend confronting poultry farmers and to also note that all security challenges facing us such as cattle rustling and kidnapping started this way,” he said.

“It started from Funtua zone where they will come to farms with arms and vans, tie up gatemen and cart away birds and eggs with monies from overnight sales. They also steal power generating sets and other valuables. Now the trend has moved to Katsina zone and even in the town, farms around Ring Road and Ajiwa Road have been attacked,” he added.

He said the association was ready to partner with the authorities in order to arrest the situation, adding,  “We have written to the state governor, police, DSS and NSCDC but are still awaiting their actions.’’