Ortom asks cattle herders still engaging in open grazing to leave Benue

Benue State Government has ordered all cattle herders still engaging in the illegal act of open grazing to leave the state.

The Livestock Guards have also been directed to allow all cattle rearers engaged in open grazing in the state to leave within two weeks.

It would be recalled that the Guard was established by the government to ensure the compliance of the State Anti-open Grazing Law.

Soon after the General elections, there was been an influx of herdsmen into Benue state with a large number of cattle despite the state’s anti-open grazing law.

Governor Ortom who disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the State Security Council meeting, said the window given for the compliance and suspension of the mandate of the Livestock Guards to confiscate roaming cattle and other livestock was for two(2) weeks, maintaining that the action became necessary to allow for reduction in the influx of cattle into the State.

He said it is part of measures to ensure that all those who came in with cattle leave so that the people can have peace.

Benue state had come under severe attacks with many citizens killed by gun men suspected to be mercenaries hired by herdsmen prompting the Presidency to issue a statement against the killings.

“We commend the President for condoling with Benue people as well as directing security agencies to apprehend perpetrators of the act. The Security agencies are duty bound to carry out this directive and I am waiting to see action that will culminate in to cessation of killings and restoration of peace in the State”, Ortom said.