By Brenda Agba
Security agencies in Benue State have been directed to commence full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law (2017) in the state.
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia disclosed this while briefing journalists at Government House Makurdi shortly after a meeting by the State Security Council.
The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Barr. Sam Ode said, the decision became necessary following the expiration of the 14 days’ ultimatum issued to herders who in the past weeks, came into the state in large numbers with droves of cattle, to leave if they were not willing to abide by the law.
According to the Governor, “The State Security Council held a meeting some weeks ago, where issues bordering on the influx of herders in the state were discussed, with an ultimatum given to the herders to leave if they were not willing to abide by the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law (2017) in the state.
According to the Governor, the State Security Council met on the 20th of February and issued a fourteen days’ ultimatum to all herders, both armed and unarmed, to peacefully exit the state immediately, a task which a seven-man committee headed by the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, was set monitor activities of these herders as well as ensure compliance.
The Governor, explained that in the course of the exercise, the committee made a satisfactory report containing recommendations on strategies to be adopted towards the disengagement and withdrawal of armed herdsmen from the state.
“I am glad to inform you that over the last two weeks, we have had a peaceful withdrawal of some of these herders from the state. In some cases, the security agencies had to carry out clearance operations to evict some of these herders”, the Governor explained adding that since the fourteen-days ultimatum has elapsed, it has become imperative for the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law (2017) which is still in place in the state, to fully take its course, with collaborative efforts by the various security agencies.
Also speaking, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim Esq, stated that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law is not against herders but open grazing, adding that moving forward, violators of the law will be sanctioned according to its provisions.
Speaking on behalf of security agencies, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, said the fourteen-days ultimatum was a non-kinetic approach by the Benue State Security Council to resolve the conflict, and given its expiration, the security agencies will step in and implement the kinetic approach which involves the use of force, assuring Benue people of the readiness of Operation Whirl Stroke and other security agencies to ensure the full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
“While this exercise was going on, Operation Whirl Stroke conducted some clearance operation which was particularly targeted at Kwande Local Government Area which was invaded by criminals who were causing mayhem.
“Though those criminals who are not herders, were not covered by the ultimatum, there was great need for the clearance operation which has led to the return of relative peace in the area”, the Force Commander revealed.
Throwing light on the recent killings in Ukum Local Government Area, Major General Igbinomwanhia, explained that it was a clash between two rival militia groups and not an attack by armed herders as was being speculated.