The Fulani Socio-cultural organization in Benue, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, MAKH, has apologised to the state government over herdsmen attacks and killings in the state in 2018.
The National Secretary of the organization, Alhassan Saleh, offered the apology on Saturday at a peace meeting held at the behest of the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyeama in Makurdi.
He expressed regrets over his association’s killings, pledging to ensure peaceful coexistence and collaboration between herdsmen and farmers in the state going forward.
“We are sorry for all that happened. Governor Ortom is a peace-loving man who stood firmly for his people and I can assure you that our members will support and work with the peace initiatives of the Governor,” he said.
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In his response, Gov. Samuel Ortom said the “Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law was not enacted to chase anyone away from Benue state but to end the ceaseless killing of innocent people and encourage ranching which is the global best practice in animal husbandry.
“The law has provisions for the protection of both the famers and herders so it is a win win for all and it is not meant to promote crisis but to ensure peaceful coexistence.
“So anyone or ethnic group wishing to rear livestock in Benue state is free to come, acquire land and ranch according to the provisions of the ranching law without hindrance.”
Source: Naija News
