The federal government has launched the distribution of 6,800 cows to victims of conflict and flood disasters in 10 local government areas of Taraba State.
Mr. Mustafa Habib, Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), made this known at the distribution of 3,996 cows to victims of Mambila crisis in Gembu Local Government Area.
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Habib, who was represented by Mr. Abdulahi Adamu, Deputy Director, Research and Forecast, in the agency, said the distribution of cows was part of the 2018 Emergency Agricultural Intervention Programme for victims of flood and conflict disasters.
Habib said the programme was an initiative of the National Food Security Council (NFSC) which was split into crop farmers and pastoralists’ components.
He said the intervention to crop farmers had already been carried out, adding that the second component which was the distribution of cattle to pastoralists had just begun in the state, adding that the delay in the implementation of the second phase of the programme was due to procurement challenges and the outbreak of Covid-19.
The Director General advised beneficiaries to take advantage of the relief items to restart their source of livelihood.
He also advised the people of Mambila plateau to eschew bitterness and embrace peace for the development of their area.
In his address, Mr. Ayuba Ladan, Head of the NEMA operations office for Taraba and Adamawa disclosed that the 3,996 cows were distributed to 1,998 beneficiaries from 11 crisis affected communities of the 2017 crisis in Sardauna Local Government Area of the state.
Mr. Ladan explained that two cows each were distributed to beneficiaries for breeding.
He, however, identified security threat as a major challenge in the course of the operation, adding that it took the intervention of security operatives to clear the road for the operation to be successful.
Ladan said the agency collaborated with the community leaders and state officials of Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TASEMA), as well as the state ministry of Agriculture to achieve the distribution to the targeted beneficiaries. He therefore urged beneficiaries not to sell their cows to merchants.
Engr. Adamu Hussàini, Chairman, Adlinco Construction Company Nigeria (LTD), the contractor supplying the livestock, said the contract was awarded for the supply of 6,800 cows for victims of the 2017/2018 crisis in Taraba.
Huseini said he was able to outsource the stock within the local cattle markets in the state, assuring their suitability for breeding purpose.
Alhaji Umaru Zubairu, village head of Gembu, thanked the Federal government for the intervention.
Zubairu said the intervention would go a long way in assisting victims of the 2017 crisis who lost all their livestock. He assured that his subjects would not sell their cows to merchants as the assistance was their source of regaining their livelihood. Recall that crisis erupted between the Mambila tribe and Fulani in Gembu in 2017, causing wanton destruction of property, especially cattle and lives.
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