Malam Abdullahi Musa, the traditional ruler of Gano Ward in Dawakin-Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State, has cautioned residents to keep their livestock confined during the current planting season to prevent damage to farmlands.
Speaking at a meeting with community members in Gano on Wednesday, the monarch said the warning became necessary as farmers across the ward have begun planting crops following the recent rains. He stressed that stray animals pose a serious threat to the new seedlings.
Malam Abdullahi directed all livestock owners to take immediate steps to restrict their animals, either by building enclosures, tethering, or assigning herdsmen to guide them away from cultivated fields. He said negligence would no longer be tolerated.
The traditional ruler warned that any animal found roaming freely within farmlands will be apprehended by ward authorities. Owners of such animals, he said, will face severe consequences, including fines and payment of compensation for destroyed crops.
He explained that in past planting seasons, loose animals destroyed young crops and seedlings, leading to lower yields and food shortages for affected families.
The trend, he noted, also sparks conflict between farmers and herders.“Protecting farmlands at this stage is protecting our food supply,” the monarch said. “Every livestock owner must take responsibility so that our farmers can work without fear of losing their investment.
”Farmers in Gano Ward welcomed the directive, describing it as timely. They said repeated incidents of crop destruction by stray animals have discouraged many from expanding their farms and have reduced overall productivity in the area.
Leaders of livestock owners present at the meeting pledged to sensitize their members and ensure compliance with the monarch’s order.
They said alternative grazing arrangements would be made to keep animals away from cultivated land.Officials of the Dawakin-Kudu Local Government agricultural department have also distributed inputs and seedlings to support farmers this season.
They said safeguarding those inputs from preventable losses is key to boosting food security in the LGA.Malam Abdullahi urged farmers to report any case of crop damage promptly to the ward head for resolution through dialogue and customary processes.
He warned against retaliatory actions that could escalate tensions.Concluding the meeting, the monarch prayed for a peaceful and bountiful planting season and called on farmers and herders in Gano Ward to continue living in harmony for the progress of the community.
