Attah Ede Makurdi
Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor, Mr. Terver Akase, on Wednesday said that the state government has no plan to repeal the anti-open grazing law, stressing that the law is still in force.
Mr. Akase gave this clarification in a statement he issued and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, Wednesday, while reacting to a media reports that the government had abrogated the law.
The Adviser explained that it had become necessary to clarify the misconceptions in some sections of the media regarding the decision of the Benue State Security Council to suspend operations of the state livestock guards for two weeks.
“The suspension of the Livestock Guards is only a grace period that became necessary to allow for a reduction in the influx of cattle into the state.
“The majority of the pastoralists who came into the state said that after the February 25 and March 18, 2023 elections, they were told that a new government was in place in Benue State and the ban on open grazing of cattle had been lifted, paving the way for them to move into the state without hindrance.
“As Governor Samuel Ortom stated while briefing the press at the end of the State Security Council meeting on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, the action is part of measures to ensure that all those who invaded the state with cattle leave so that the Benue people would have peace and go about their legitimate and lawful businesses.
“We must stress that the enforcement of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law is still in full force, and anyone who flouts the law at the expiration of the two-week grace period will be apprehended and prosecuted.
“Governor Ortom once again appreciates the people of Benue State for their support since the enforcement of the law commenced in 2017, Akase stated.”
Recalled that Governor Ortom, had on Tuesday announced the suspension of the operation of State security outfit, Livestock Guard for two weeks to pave the way for the exit of Fulani herdsmen from the state.
