Benue NUJ Laudes Ortom on Anti-Open Grazing Bill

George Okoh in Makurdi

The Nigerian Union of Journalists(NUJ), Benue State Council has commended the state government over the implementation of the law prohibiting open rearing and grazing of livestock and the establishment of ranches and livestock administration.

According to the Chairman of the state council, Kris Astaka, the coming to effect of the law would eliminate the unfortunate deaths and destruction experienced by communities in the state in the past as a result the activities of open grazing and rearing of livestock.

In a statement released by the council thursday and made available to THISDAY, the council said it believes that if all those involved in the practice of grazing abide by the law, then a lasting solution to the conflict between herders and farmers would have been found.

It said the law which is a landmark achievement of the Ortom administration would bring about peace in the state, adding that the effort of the state House of Assembly as well as civil society, faith-based organisations and the Benue populace would not go in vain.

It also said the union would support all effort by all well meaning groups and individuals to support the law so as to eliminate the security challenge occasioned by skirmishes between communities and herdsmen.