National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore-Fulani Socio- Cultural Association, Mr Bello Bodejo, has directed members to close down all cattle markets across the country.

Bodejo said the measure became necessary in order to contain spread of the Coronavirus.

He urged herdsmen to remain in the bush, where they will not have contact with people.

“Let my people remain in the bush until the problem is all over; even those who are outside should join those in the bush until the situation is brought under control. They should close all cattle markets in every place in Nigeria because, in the market, you don’t know who is who; you don’t know who has tested positive to coronavirus and you don’t know who has contracted it. The best thing to do is take precautionary measures to safeguard my people and to halt the spread,” he said.

On how Nigerians will cope if his members shut down, Bodejo, said it is only the living that eat meat.

“Of what benefit will it be to our association if our people contract the disease while in the market? The best bet is to keep away from the market.

“Herdsmen who are in the bush or forest should remain there, as coming out to meet those in the market portends danger. It is possible for those who are in need of cows to meet the herdsmen in the bush and forest to buy cows, and in doing so, they should make sure there is no body contacts and the buyers must use nose mask during transactions,” he said.

Sun