Upon expiration of ultimatum, Benue Govt vows to prosecute violators of open grazing
…Clarifies that prohibition of open grazing law not targeted at herders
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has vowed to prosecute violators of the state’s open grazing policy following the expiration of the two weeks ultimatum given to herders.
The Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia explained that the prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment law 2017 is not targeted at anybody but anyone who may wish to do cattle business in the State must ranch his or her herds of cattle.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Sam Ode, ordered the security agencies to arrest violators of opening grazing following the end of the two weeks ultimatum earlier given by the state security council.
He made the decision of his government known on Wednesday in Makurdi while briefing journalists in Government House. He stressed that the law prohibiting open grazing in the State is still in place and must be obeyed.
He maintained that the two weeks ultimatum earlier given was a grace period to enable herders still carrying out open grazing in the withdrawal peacefully.
He explained that based on reports, some herders have substantially complied with the directive to leave the state.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr Fidelis Mnyim, who threw more light on the issue, reiterated that the law prohibiting open grazing is not targeted at herders but against the practice of open grazing of cattles in the state and reminded Benue populace about the enforcement of the law.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that, Benue State Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke(OPWS), who is also the chairman of the ultimatum committee, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia explained that the two weeks ultimatum was a non kinetic approach employed by the state government to disengage those carrying out open grazing adding that going forward, kinetic approach will be used by security agencies to ensure compliance.
Major General Igbinomwanhia revealed that officers of Operation Whirl Stroke are deployed to all troubled incidents of the state to restore peace and added that relative peace has returned to Kwande local government following a clearance operation by the Army personnel.
He stated that an intelligence report indicated that the recent attack and killings in Ukum local government area was not herdsmen invasion but a violent clash between two militia groups in the area.
