By Opeyemi Adeoti
The Kwara State House of Assembly has expressed grave concern regarding the escalating risks associated with the unsupervised movement of cattle, horses, and other animals on public roads throughout the state.
This issue arose from a motion titled “Need to Avert the Dangers Inherent in the Unsupervised Movement of Cattle, Horses, and Other Animals on Public Roads in Kwara State,” sponsored by Oba Abdulkadir Magaji (Ilorin Central), Odetundun Olushola (Irepodun), and Lawal Ayanshola Saliu (Ipaye/Malete/Olooru).
In presenting the motion, the House Leader highlighted that the continued roaming of animals on highways and urban roads has become perilous, resulting in frequent road accidents and the destruction of vehicles and nearby properties.
Odetundun Olushola (Irepodun) and Lawal Ayanshola Saliu (Ipaye/Malete/Olooru) attributed this situation to the ongoing encroachment on traditional grazing routes by individuals and the government, compelling many herders and horse owners to allow their animals to roam unsupervised, particularly in urban areas where grazing alternatives are limited.
They noted that the negligence of animal owners constitutes a violation of existing state laws on animal control, road safety, and public order, while posing significant risks to human lives and the welfare of the animals.
They further explained that, in attempting to avoid collisions with these animals, motorists often lose control of their vehicles, leading to accidents and property damage.
The lawmakers also observed that this situation imposes severe hardships on farmers and traders who suffer the loss of valuable livestock in preventable road accidents caused by the uncontrolled movement of animals.
In reading the resolutions of the House, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Engineer Yakub Danlandi, instructed the Ministry of Livestock to rigorously enforce all laws holding animal owners accountable for permitting their animals to roam freely on public roads.
He also mandated the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Environment, in cooperation with Local Government Authorities, to strictly enforce all relevant regulations prohibiting the unrestricted movement of livestock on highways.
Furthermore, the Speaker directed the Chairmen of the 16 Local Government Councils to promptly establish Livestock Control Units, adequately staffed and equipped with necessary logistics, for the impoundment of stray animals and the prosecution of negligent owners.
He urged the Ministry of Communication to undertake comprehensive public enlightenment campaigns to educate herders, horse owners, and the general public on road safety and responsible livestock management.
The House expressed optimism that with proactive enforcement and sustained public awareness efforts, the risks associated with unsupervised livestock movement on public roads in Kwara State would be significantly reduced.