Benue: Open Grazing Law Stands Despite Suspending Livestock Guards’ Operations

George Okoh in Makurdi

The Benue State Government, has disclosed that the state’s law against open grazing still stood even as it had suspended activities of the implementing agents, the Benue Livestock guards.

Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Terver Akase, yesterday, said it had become pertinent to clarify the misconceptions in some sections of the media regarding the decision of the Benue State Security Council to suspend operations of the state Livestock Guards for two weeks.

According to Akase, “The suspension of the Livestock Guards is only a grace period, which became necessary to allow for reduction in the influx of cattle into the state.

“Majority of the pastoralists, who came into the state said after the February 25 and March 18, 2023 elections, they were told that a new government was in place in Benue State and the ban on open grazing of cattle had been lifted paving the way for them to move into the state without hindrance.

“As Governor Samuel Ortom stated while briefing the press at the end of the State Security Council meeting, Tuesday, 11th April, 2023, the action is part of measures to ensure that all those, who invaded the state with cattle leave so that Benue people would have peace and go about their legitimate and lawful businesses.”

According to him, the enforcement of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law was still in full force, and that anyone, who flouted the law at the expiration of the two weeks grace period would be apprehended and prosecuted.