ADVERTISEMENT

Reps seeks Buhari’s support for anti-open grazing law

The lawmakers believe this would put an end to the reoccurring attacks on Benue indigens by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Members of the House of Representatives representing the Benue state have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to support the Open Grazing Prohibition law currently being implemented in the state.

This, they believe would put an end to the reoccurring attacks on Benue indigens by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The lawmakers disclosed this while addressing journalists at the National Assembly on Friday, November 24, 2017.

They include; Emmanuel Orker-Jev, John Dyegh, Saleh Hassan, Adamu Ochepo Entonu, Dickon Tarkighir, Mark Terseer Gbillah.

ADVERTISEMENT

Others are; Emmanuel Udende, Dorathy Mato, Benjamin Wayo, Samuel Okwu and Ezekiel Adaji.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Hon. Dyegh said the carnage and massive destruction wreaked in the people of the state has almost grounded economic activities “as people have abandoned their farms and businesses due to the ravaging activities of AK-47 bearing herdsmen, who constantly invaded our communities, destroyed farms, property, maim and kill indiscriminately.”

He continued: “Our people are still living with the sordid memories of the massacre in virtually every nook and cranny of the state, particularly in Buruku, Guma, Tarka, Logo, Agatu, Gwer West and Gwer East etc. Thousands of lives and property worth billions of naira have been lost to these inhuman actions of these so called Fulani herdsmen.

“Worried by the continued desecration of our land and a clear agenda to exterminate our people, the Benue State House of Assembly this year passed the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Bill, which was signed into law by the Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Samuel Ortom on May 22, 2017.”

ADVERTISEMENT

While urging President Buhari to support the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, the lawmakers condemned what they called “the campaign of calumny” against Governor Samuel Ortom.

“We use this medium to draw the attention of the federal government and make a passionate appeal to the President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari to grant full support to the Government of the State by giving a standing order to all security agencies to ensure maximum implementation of this wonderful piece of legislation.

“We hereby use this medium to draw the attention of the federal Government to the threats from and the unlawful activities of herdsmen who are violating the law and still openly grazing their cattle in Agatu and Apa local government areas of the state.

“We condemn in unequivocal terms provocative and inflammatory statements credited to the national president, A and the national secretary, of the group against the implementation of the anti-open grazing law in Benue state.”

The lawmakers said the law was not targeted at any group of people but that it permits grazing of livestock only within ranches and prohibits the movement of animals from one destination to another in the state except by rail, trucks and other vehicles.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Benue state government began the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition Law on Wednesday, November 1, 2017.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Perpetrators must face the law - Plateau com demands Justice for minor's murder

Perpetrators must face the law - Plateau com demands Justice for minor's murder

Peter Obi breaking fast with Muslims in Abuja mosque gets Nigerians talking

Peter Obi breaking fast with Muslims in Abuja mosque gets Nigerians talking

Video of weird school competition shows young students licking one another's feet

Video of weird school competition shows young students licking one another's feet

UniCal records highest number of first class graduates in 49 years

UniCal records highest number of first class graduates in 49 years

Army announces names of 17 soldiers killed in shocking Delta attack

Army announces names of 17 soldiers killed in shocking Delta attack

Ooni wants Ile-Ife, Modakeke indigenes to live together peacefully

Ooni wants Ile-Ife, Modakeke indigenes to live together peacefully

'Politics is not about being negative every time' — Peter Obi

'Politics is not about being negative every time' — Peter Obi

Army thinks Okuama community planned shocking murder of 16 soldiers in Delta

Army thinks Okuama community planned shocking murder of 16 soldiers in Delta

27,600 Benue women to receive grants, loans for business growth, self reliant

27,600 Benue women to receive grants, loans for business growth, self reliant

Pulse Sports

Super Eagles Bright Osayi-Samuel punches pitch invader as violence erupts following Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce

Super Eagles Bright Osayi-Samuel punches pitch invader as violence erupts following Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce

Naija Stars Abroad: Moffi, Chukwueze battle Oshoala, Echegini for POTW

Naija Stars Abroad: Moffi, Chukwueze battle Oshoala, Echegini for POTW

Report: Super Eagles get new coach for Ghana and Mali clash

Report: Super Eagles get new coach for Ghana and Mali clash

Osimhen misses out on N17b payday after Napoli's UCL loss to Barcelona

Osimhen misses out on N17b payday after Napoli's UCL loss to Barcelona

‘Thank you’ - Osimhen’s girlfriend Stefanie Ladewig grateful for being the mother of his child

‘Thank you’ - Osimhen’s girlfriend Stefanie Ladewig grateful for being the mother of his child

4 reasons why Victor Osimhen should choose Arsenal over Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG

4 reasons why Victor Osimhen should choose Arsenal over Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT