Abia Targets Open Grazing, Moves to Clean Up Umuahia

Abia State authorities have announced fresh measures to halt open grazing in Umuahia, signalling a decisive push to restore order and improve environmental sanitation across the state capital.

Source: bushlink

The Abia State Environmental Sanitation Agency has signalled the start of enforcement against cattle roaming major streets and public spaces in Umuahia, stressing that cow dung and indiscriminate animal movement have no place in a modern capital city. Speaking during a meeting with the traditional ruler of the Hausa community, Alhaji Yaro Danladi, the agency’s Deputy General Manager, Ambrose Jonah, said the decision was rooted in ASEPA’s responsibility to keep the environment clean and livable for residents.

Jonah made it clear that ranching, not open grazing, is the path forward, describing it as the sustainable solution to recurring farmers-herders clashes and environmental degradation. He called on the Hausa community leadership to serve as a bridge between the government and herders, helping to spread the message and ensure compliance across the state.

The sanitation boss praised the Hausa community for its cooperation in 2025 and expressed confidence that the same spirit of harmony would continue in the new year. According to him, discussions have already begun on restricting cattle movement from sensitive areas, with plans to outline specific roads and locations where grazing will no longer be tolerated. A task force is also being lined up to monitor compliance and enforce the rules.

Beyond open grazing, ASEPA is tightening its grip on waste management in Umuahia. Jonah reminded residents that refuse disposal remains restricted to between 5pm and 6am and warned against littering, illegal dumping, and the practice of overloading tippers, which leaves debris scattered along city roads.

He appealed for collective responsibility, stressing that only teamwork between residents and authorities can make Umuahia the cleanest state capital in the country.

Responding, Alhaji Yaro Danladi assured the state government of the herders’ cooperation, pledging to engage their leaders and ensure adherence to the new directives. He affirmed support for the ban on cattle roaming government-reserved areas, saying peace, order, and cleanliness are shared responsibilities.

With enforcement measures taking shape, the message from Umuahia is clear: the era of unchecked open grazing in the state capital is drawing to a close.