Only ranching can end herdsmen killings, Governor insists

Governor Samuel Ortom says there is no alternative to the ranching law enacted by the Benue state government to regulate livestock businesses within its territory.

Ortom stated this at the Government House, Makurdi while briefing newsmen shortly after a meeting with the state and zonal leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

The Governor said the ranching law was the collective decision of Benue people, stressing that he lacks the powers even as Governor to reverse or make adjustments to it.

He disclosed that MACBAN had requested for more time to enable them adjust and conform with the law but he had promised them that the law would be implemented with a "human face".

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Governor Ortom noted that while the law was being implemented, discussions between MACBAN and Benue State Government would continue with a view to fashioning out ways of ensuring peace between farmers and herdsmen in the state.

He stated that the main objective of the meeting was the arrest and confiscation of some cattle in breach of the ranching law, saying the State Government had agreed to release the cattle to their owners after the payment of fines as stipulated by the law.

North Central zonal chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Danladi Chiroma said they were ready to obey the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law and to cooperate with the Benue State Government to expose criminal elements responsible for the current crisis.

Buhari in Benue

President Muhammadu Buhari was in Benue over the killings in the state by suspected herdsmen.

At the meeting with stateholders, President Buhari feigned ignorance on Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, disobedience to his order to relocate to Benue.

But an aide to the governor, Tahav Agerzua, recently said President Buhari's visit failedto address the herdsmen killings in the state.