1 dead, several injured as farmers, herdsmen clash

chika ebuzor

November 7, 2017 9:04 AM

This was revealed to newsmen by the Governor, Ben Ayade after a security meeting which he held to seek a solution to the crisis.

One person has been killed and several others injured in Cross Rivers state, following a clash between herdsmen and farmers.

Ayade said that the incident occurred because of the full implementation of the anti-grazing bill in Benue state.

The Governor said that security personnel have been deployed to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

Ayade also called on the Federal Government to boldly address the issue of grazing in the country.

According to Daily Post, he said “We have already deployed the military, police and other security agencies to ensure that the situation is brought under control and as we speak, the area is calm and peaceful.

“During our meeting, we did an analytical appraisal of the situation and we have come out with a very strong active point that must be implemented urgently.

“One of such measures is to immediately institute a mediation team comprising the security operatives, the fulani community, and my Special Adviser on non-indigene affairs as well as the leader of Hausa/ Fulani community in the state.”

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“We in Cross River have lived with the herdsmen peacefully over time but obviously, with the passage of the Anti-Open-Grazing law and its full implementation in Benue, it is having its effect on us. Currently, the situation is where the farmers feel a deep sense of loss with the continuous grazing on their economic crops while the herdsmen are desperately searching for pastures to sustain their cattle.

“If the federal government does not come to lend its support to the state, what will happen is that they are leaving the farmers and the herdsmen to take on themselves,” he added.

Anti-grazing law

According to reports, the Benue state government started implementation of the anti-grazing law in November 2017.

Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, had warned that any herdsman, who decided to breach the anti-open grazing law would have to face the wrath of the law.

Ortom also added that the state followed due process in the passage of the open grazing prohibition bill and its signing into law.

chika ebuzor