Illegal killing of wild animals attracts punishment, Kano govt warns

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The Kano state government has warned that illegal killing of wild animals in the state will attract punishment.
Special Adviser to the state governor, Ahmad Halliru Sawaba on Wildlife Conservation gave the warning at a press conference in his office on Friday.
Sawaba said wild animal could only be killed for a legitimate purpose, adding that it has to be reported to the government for approval.
According to him, the aim is to revive the wildlife sector that had been neglected for years in the state, adding that his appointment was done with a purpose to revive the sector for the development of the state.
He noted that the state had lost a large number of “wildlife that were not properly managed and utilized many had left Kano State because of urbanization, hunting, and lack of government consideration related to wildlife conservation activities such as management, planning, protection, and conservation. Etc. in the state.
“Although efforts to articulate wildlife conservation in Nigeria have come of late, awareness among practitioners in the Kano state that our wild life conservation programs differed from others around the world has existed for decades.
“Describing these attributes or principles can serve many purposes: foster celebration of the profession’s maturation and accomplishments; serve as an educational tool; and identify gaps, shortcomings, or areas in need of expansion to address contemporary or future challenges.
“ This technical review intends to contribute to all of these purposes.”
The Special Adviser also disclosed that the government, through his office, would recommend rehabilitation and establishment of zoological garden in the state.
He reiterated that his office would recommend to the state governor for creation of a wildlife conservation board or agency to the state government.
“To recommend creating or providing more zoos and improving the standard of the ones available in the state.
“To recommend providing a Zoo that will attract Kano State indigene and tourism in Kano state. To recommend providing a zoo that will meet the international standard.
“To recommend providing the zoo with maximum sources of revenue to the state”, he said.