The Taraba State Government has warned livestock owners to expect tougher sanctions if they continue allowing their animals to roam freely on public roads and destroy government-funded beautification projects.
The Chairman of the Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency, Hon. Iliya Kefas, said the government would no longer tolerate the destruction of roadside flowers and other public facilities by stray animals, particularly in Jalingo, the state capital.
Kefas made the warning on Saturday after the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Jalingo. He disclosed that the agency had commenced fumigation of flowers planted along major roads and public spaces to prevent goats and other animals from feeding on them.
He said the exercise had received approval from the state government under the Green Taraba initiative, which seeks to improve the appearance of towns and promote a cleaner environment.
According to Kefas, the agency had repeatedly urged livestock owners to ranch their animals and prevent them from roaming around residential areas and major roads, but the practice had continued.
He warned that the chemical being applied to the flowers was toxic and could harm or kill animals that consumed it, urging owners to keep their livestock properly controlled.
The agency had previously warned that owners of stray animals could be arrested and prosecuted. Kefas said stricter enforcement measures would be introduced during subsequent sanitation exercises.
The move highlights the state government’s effort to protect public infrastructure and improve environmental hygiene. However, livestock owners will need to take precautions to prevent their animals from accessing treated areas and avoid potential losses.
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