The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria says it has lost over ₦5billion as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
Alhaji Yakubu Bello, former Chairman of the association, disclosed this in Oyo state.
Bello debunked the claims that the Fulani community in the state was protecting their kinsmen who sneaked inyo the state despite the inter-state movement restriction imposed by the Federal Government.
He noted that contrary to the allegation, his members were law-abiding and peaceful.
He stated that although the current realities were challenging as Miyetti Allah had not had it so bad in the past, efforts were made to ensure that the restriction orders were adhered to.
He said Fulani cow traders and herdsmen across the country had been warned to stay off Oyo State until the restriction order on inter-state movement was vacated.
According to Bello, the Miyetti Allah in Oyo State had cautioned its members from the North on the need to obey the restriction order.
He said, “We have heard of cases of people that were arrested for defying inter-state lockdown order, whether they were coming from the North or anywhere from Nigeria, but I can tell you that nothing of such has happened from here.
“The moment the government announced the lockdown order, we have sent a strong warning to our people in all the states of the nation not to come to Oyo State for business or visit till this trying period is over.
“It is really a difficult period for our people as they have never experienced such restriction before. I can tell you that we have lost over N5 billion to the rampaging Coronavirus disease.
“This place used to be a beehive of commercial activities; people will come from all over the country to buy and sell. People sell not just cows and other livestock, but personal items and household materials here. It is now like a ghost town.”
