The Kwara State House of Assembly has expressed strong worry about the rising problem of cattle, horses and other animals roaming freely on major roads and highways.
Lawmakers said the situation is putting motorists in danger and causing repeated accidents across the state.
Their concern followed 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.”
It was sponsored by Oba Abdulkadir Magaji, Odetundun Olushola and Lawal Saliu, who represent Ilorin Central, Irepodun and Ipaye/Malete/Oloru.
While presenting the motion, the House Leader said the free movement of livestock on public roads has taken a “dangerous dimension,” resulting in collisions, damaged vehicles and traffic disruptions in many communities.
The lawmakers added that letting animals wander onto highways goes against existing laws on animal control, road safety and public order.
They warned that the carelessness of livestock owners keeps putting both people and animals at risk.
The legislators noted that “motorists are often forced to swerve to avoid hitting the animals, a situation that has resulted in multiple accidents, vehicle damage and, in some cases, injuries.”
After considering the motion, Speaker Yakub Danladi read out the House resolutions. He directed the Ministry of Livestock to begin strict enforcement of laws that hold animal owners responsible when their cattle, horses or other animals roam without supervision.
He also instructed the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Environment, working with Local Government Authorities, to enforce all rules that ban the free movement of livestock on highways and roads within urban areas.