The Gada Divisional Police Headquarters in Sokoto State has recovered 25 cattle suspected to have been stolen or strayed from their rightful owners.
The animals were found in a dense forest bordering the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state on Thursday, following a tip-off from local authorities.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufai, said in a statement on Friday that the recovery was initiated after Alhaji Muhammad Kyari reported the presence of stray cattle.
The statement read, “The District Head of Gada. Alhaji Idi “M,” the former Village Head of Gidan Rabami Village in Gada Local Government Area, had earlier alerted the authorities about the presence of stray cattle in a nearby forest.
The animals were found in a dense forest bordering Sabon Birni Local Government Area, an area known for its complex terrain and occasional security challenges.
The Gada Police Division responded promptly, deploying officers to the site where the 25 cattle were successfully recovered without incident.”
The statement further said that following the operation, the cattle were transported to the Gada Division Headquarters, where they are being held securely.
The police have called on livestock owners whose cattle may be missing to visit the station with valid proof of ownership for identification and collection.
This recovery effort demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protecting the lives and property of our citizens, including their means of livelihood.
We are calling on all concerned livestock owners to come forward with necessary identification to facilitate a smooth verification and handover process,” Rufai stated.
Authorities are also encouraging residents of Gada and neighbouring communities to share this information widely to hasten the identification process and prevent potential disputes or prolonged delays in reuniting the livestock with their owners.
