Benue Assembly lifts suspension of six lawmakers, urges full enforcement of Anti-Open Grazing Law
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday lifted the suspension of six out of thirteen members previously sanctioned for breaching legislative rules. The decision was reached during plenary, presided over by the Speaker and Vice Chairman, North Central, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh.
The reinstatement followed formal letters of apology submitted by the affected lawmakers, which were thoroughly reviewed and debated by the Assembly.
The legislators whose suspensions were revoked include Hon. Williams (Agasha Constituency), Hon. Elias Audu (Gwer East), Hon. Solomon Gilah (Gwer West), Hon. Simon Gabo (Mata), Hon. Blessed Onah (Oju One), and Hon. Anyor Mato (Kwande East).
In a separate development, the Assembly called on Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia to ensure full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017. Lawmakers said enforcement of this law is crucial to ending the persistent attacks and killings of Benue residents by armed Fulani herdsmen across the state.
The House strongly condemned what it described as coordinated invasions, mass killings, and acts of terrorism against communities, particularly in Yelewata and other parts of the state, carried out by the Fulani herder militias.
In honour of those killed, the Assembly requested the Governor to declare a three-day mourning period from Wednesday, 18 June to Friday, 20 June 2025.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Uche Terwase Peter, representing Guma 1 State Constituency, who informed the House about the extensive destruction and loss of life in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
Hon. Uche recounted that the attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons including explosives, set homes ablaze using petrol and other incendiary materials. He stated that entire nuclear and extended families, ranging from five to ten members, were annihilated in some cases.
The House urged the Governor to take decisive and immediate steps to find a lasting resolution to the crisis.
Lawmakers further called on the people of Benue State to remain alert and be prepared to defend themselves within the limits of the law, in order to protect their lives and properties.