In its continuous effort to implement the state’s anti open grazing law, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has again called on traditional rulers in the state to report any form of trespass on Benue land.
Ortom made the call at a two-day seminar organised for traditional rulers by the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in Makurdi.
He warned that traditional rulers in the state must not allow herdsmen to graze freely in their domains saying those allowing herdsmen into their area are only creating problems for themselves and their children.
The Governor who recalled that states like Sokoto, which used to be very peaceful is now having its fair share of the Fulani herdsmen incursions, urged the traditional rulers to be vigilant to prevent what is going on in other parts of the country from happening in Benue.
“There is need for everyone to be vigilant. Report any trespass on Benue land” the governor stated adding that the anti open grazing law was still in force in the state and anyone caught flouting the law would be prosecuted in addition to paying fines for any impounded livestock.
“Whoever is found grazing on our land would be prosecuted in addition to making him pay fines for his impounded live stocks. For us, ranching remains the only option to peace in the country.”
He urged the traditional rulers to guard their wards against unscrupulous politician who may want to use them as thugs in the 2019 general elections.
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“As we march towards 2019, let us pray and encourage our youths not to allow politicians use them. If I lose out in a free and fair election, I will leave because for me, it’s not a do or die affair.
“Tell your subjects and children that those who are recruiting them for thuggery should first recruit their children to be commanders of the thuggery group. There is no federal might coming to do anything in Benue but it is state might that will supervise elections here, so, don’t be afraid,” he said.
Earlier, Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jerome Torshimbe called on all participants to pay close attention to the various presentations that would be made and also make their inputs so that at the end of the orientation, they will all come out fully equipped for their duties.
