Attah Ede Makurdi
Following the spate of killings and incessant attacks on Benue communities by suspected Fulani herdsmen, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has announced the immediate suspension of operations of the Livestock Guards.
He made the announcement while briefing newsmen after the State Security Council meeting held at Government House Makurdi, Tuesday.
According to him, the suspension would last for two(2) weeks and became necessary to allow for reduction in the high influx of cattle into the State.
“The action is part of measure to ensure that all those who came in with cattle leave so that the people can have peace and go about with their legitimate and lawful businesses.
“The Council however frowned at the rustling of cattle by Indigenes and urge security agencies to apprehend any culprit.
“We also, observed and condemned the act of connivance with youths, traditional rulers and stakeholders to rustle cattle. I want to use this opportunity to once again call on security agencies to apprehend such persons no matter how highly placed.
“We commend securiry agencies for been proactive. We urge our Volunteer Guards to be of good behavior. We condemn any unholy alliance of some of our youths to rustle cattlle of Herdsmen.
“We condemn acts of some traditional rulers and stakeholders who are found wanting and charge security agencies to apprehend anyone involved in this act. No one should be harassed for doing their business. All those conniving with Fulani Herdsmen to engage in unholy act should be brought to book.
“We appeal to politicians to be peaceful in their conduct and desist from making inflammatory comments that could create choas and lawlessness. I am still Governor until May 29 even if you are elected, you are not sworn in yet so we all should be law abiding. You need to be patient in the next 6 weeks when I am out you can repeal any law you want to.
“We commend the President for condoling with Benue people as well as directing security agencies to apprehend perpetrators of this act. The Security agencies are duty bound to carry out this directive and I am waiting to see action that will cumulate to cessation of killing and peace in the State”, Ortom said.
Recalled that the Livestock Guard was established in 2017 by the government to ensure the compliance with the State Anti-open Grazing Law.
