The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the continued presence of stray cattle on major roads in Abuja, saying public apologies must be backed by concrete action.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the civil rights group said it was concerned that weeks after Wike publicly apologised and accepted responsibility for the menace, cattle were still roaming highways, residential districts and business areas across the nation’s capital.
The group recalled that the minister had acknowledged the problem following criticisms over the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s inability to rid Abuja’s roads of stray livestock and had pledged to address the situation.
According to HURIWA, the continued sight of cattle on major roads poses serious traffic and safety risks, exposes motorists and pedestrians to avoidable accidents and undermines Abuja’s image as Nigeria’s capital city.
The organisation questioned why authorities had yet to enforce existing environmental and public safety laws prohibiting animals from straying onto public roads.
It also raised concerns over whether political considerations were hindering enforcement, arguing that the law should apply equally to all citizens irrespective of ethnicity or occupation.
“Nigeria is governed by the rule of law, not by ethnic or political considerations. No individual or group should enjoy immunity from laws enacted to protect public safety simply because of ethnic identity, occupation or political sensitivity,” the statement said.
HURIWA further lamented that roaming cattle continue to damage ornamental plants, flowers and other landscaping projects established with public funds while leaving animal waste on roads and highways.
The association described the situation as incompatible with the vision of Abuja as a modern capital city, stressing that infrastructure development must be complemented by effective enforcement of environmental and sanitation regulations.
It urged the FCT Administration to move beyond public assurances by immediately impounding stray cattle, sanctioning owners who violate environmental laws, strengthening surveillance and coordinating with security agencies and Area Councils to permanently address the problem.
The group maintained that while it acknowledged the ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT, the continued presence of stray cattle on Abuja’s highways raises questions about government’s commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour.
HURIWA concluded that Nigerians now expect decisive action rather than repeated assurances, insisting that restoring order on Abuja’s roads would demonstrate government’s commitment to public safety and the rule of law.