No going back on anti-grazing law, says Ortom

Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, has vowed not to repeal the anti-open grazing law in the state, despite pressure.

 In a bid to check the clashes between herdsmen and farmers, Ortom signed the anti-grazing bill into law on May 22, 2017.

The law, among other things, prohibits the movement of livestock on foot within the state.

Different groups and stakeholders had kicked against the law which the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore described as a time bomb.

In a statement by Terver Akase, his chief press secretary, Ortom alleged that there is a plot to foist violence on the state.

He said his life is being threatened by “armed herdsmen and their conspirators” but the anti-grazing law would remain in full effect.

“The governor says he is not intimidated or distracted by the antics of armed herdsmen and their sponsors. No amount of falsehood in the media or any other platform can change his commitment to selfless service to Benue people,” the statement read.

“The governor says for the umpteenth time that the state will not repeal the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law to pave the way for Fulani herdsmen to take over the people’s ancestral lands for cattle grazing. The Law has not only come to stay; it is fully being enforced.

“Ranching Law has been well accepted by the people of Benue State and no intimidation or arm-twisting tactics from the named groups can change it.

“Governor Ortom urges security forces to check the activities of Miyetti Allah groups who have sworn on several occasions to foist violence on Benue, and bring their members to justice for their crimes against the people of the state.”