- The Benue state government has spoken about the importance of enforcing the newly enacted anti-open grazing law
- An aide to the state governor, Tahav Argezua, highlighted the various deadly clashes recorded between herdsmen and farmers in the state, and stated that the law would bring about lasting peace between both groups
- Argezua reminded critics of the law that Fulani herdsmen had been designated as the 4th most deadly terrorist group in the world, and stressed that they had made threats which cannot be ignored
- He described those referring to the law as propaganda, as being unfair to Benue residents who had borne the brunt of the incessant attacks by herdsmen
Mr. Tahav Argezua, the special adviser to the Benue state governor on media and ICT, has opened up about the importance of the anti-open grazing law.
Argezua made his comments during an interview session with Punch.
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NAIJ.com gathers that the governor’s aide stated that the main objective of the law was to bring about sustainable peace between herders and farmers in the state.
He stated: “The major objective of the law is to bring lasting peace between farmers and herders in Benue State.
“Anyone who is familiar with the state in the last few years, especially from 2011 to 2017, must have witnessed, seen, read or heard stories of incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers; and in several cases, entire communities across the state.
“These usually take a devastating toll on human lives and property.
“At a time, more than 13 out of the 23 local government areas in the state were under siege. These included Guma, Makurdi, Gwer, Gwer West, Agatu, Tarka, Buruku, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Gboko and Kwande.
“A report compiled by the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in 2014 revealed that the state lost more than 500 lives and property worth more than N95bn in 10 of these local government areas in that year’s attacks alone.
“All the significant houses, schools, hospitals and clinics as well as churches in the affected areas have been destroyed during herdsmen attacks.
“Causes of the conflict are usually over cattle grazing on farms leading to conflicts or criminal elements rustling cattle and leaving defenceless communities to bear reprisals from Fulani militia.
“From the Benue experience, it is clear that farming and open grazing cannot co-exist as a result of increasing population and increased farming activities.
“The development led several groups to demand ranching; and the Samuel Ortom administration which has had to grapple with the consequences of the clashes, responded by enacting the law through the state House of Assembly as a permanent solution to the problem in line with international best practices on livestock management.”
Argezua also dispelled rumors that the law targets only one ethnic group, stating: “Not at all! Anyone, who contravenes the provision of the law, will face sanctions.
“Indeed, it seems to be an advantage to those who own cattle because stiff penalties have been made against cattle rustling.
“Besides, if herdsmen settle in ranches, they can have access to better health care and education, even as their cattle can grow fatter, quicker and they would also be saved from the vagaries of the elements and all the unpleasant consequences of pastoral ‘nomadism’.”
The governor’s aide also responded to a question about if the state government had information about any planned attack(s) by the herdsmen.
He stated: “They have made the threats openly during press conferences widely circulated in the media; this is in the public domain. Besides, Fulani militia are rated the fourth most deadly terror group in the world who, from antecedents, fulfill their threats.
“Governor Ortom has formally written to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector-General of Police, requesting the arrest of those who made the threats.
“These developments have been discussed at the state security council and it will be surprising if the state police commissioner is not aware.
“Those who think the matter is an issue for propaganda are not fair to the people of Benue State, who have borne the brunt of herdsmen attacks over the years.
“I dare say they may be part of the conspiracy to undermine the peace and progress of the Benue people.”
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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state purchased 18 pick-up trucks and 100 motorcycles for distribution to the Livestock and Community Volunteer Guards (LCVG), in order to enable them fully implement the anti-open grazing law.
The governor also disclosed that a workshop would be organized to empower the guards with the necessary security knowledge they need to carry out their duties.
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Source: Naija.ng
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