Clarifying the misunderstandings about the Benue State Security Council’s decision to temporarily halt the state livestock guards’ operations for two weeks has become necessary.
The Livestock Guards’ suspension is merely a grace period that was required to allow for a decrease in the flow of cattle into the State.
The majority of the pastoralists who moved into the state claimed that after the elections on February 25 and March 18, 2023, they were informed that a new government had been installed in Benue State and that the ban on open grazing of cattle had been lifted, paving the way for their unimpeded entry.
The action is a part of steps to ensure that all people who invaded the state with cattle leave so that Benue people can have peace and conduct their legal and proper business, as stated by Governor Samuel Ortom in a press conference following the State Security Council meeting on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
We must stress that the enforcement of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law is still in full force and anyone who flouts the law at the expiration of the two weeks grace period will be apprehended and prosecuted.
Governor Ortom once again appreciates the people of Benue State for their support since the enforcement of the law commenced in 2017.