(Business in Cameroon) - Since 2013, the Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram has stolen CFA3 billion ($6 million) worth of livestock from breeders in the Far North. This is revealed in a “Break down barriers to regional agricultural trade in Central Africa” report published by the World Bank.

In detail, the terrorists have taken 17,000 herds of cattle and thousands of sheep and goats during assaults. Still, exactions had impact on the whole livestock industry, including markets and animal health care.

According to a report issued by the Cameroonian Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (Minepia), the livestock sector was the most affected with losses valued at CFA54.8 billion. This translates into about 65% of overall losses caused by Boko Haram’s assaults. The Ministry attributed the situation to “thefts, kidnappings, animal killings, animal diseases and the decline in animals’ commercial value”.

Brice R. Mbodiam