1 month ago
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The Member of the House of Representatives for Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Asema Achado, has called for the enforcement of the Benue State anti-open grazing Law in the state to stop the continuous killings in the state.
The lawmaker in a statement issued by his media aide, Mendah Manasseh, a copy made available, to journalists in Makurdi on Sunday said that the anti-open grazing law enacted by the immediate past administration of Samuel Ortom was designed to provide a sustainable solution to the ongoing hardships faced by Benue farmers due to the activities of marauding herders.
He noted that the persistent attacks have not only resulted in physical harm but have also inflicted emotional and psychological scars on the affected communities, disrupting lives and livelihoods.
The lawmaker expressed deep sadness and concern regarding the relentless attacks plaguing the Gwer West Local Government of Benue state which he attributed to suspected Fulani militia.
Achado decried the alarming silence from Governor Hyacinth Alia in the face of these gruesome incidents, which he said had left many innocent people in the area in fear and despair.
He emphasises the necessity for immediate, life-saving measures to combat insecurity and protect the lives of the people of Benue State.
Achado urged Governor Alia to explain to the people of Benue the apparent dormancy of the Benue state anti-open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law since the governor’s assumption of office in May 2023.
He stressed that the fundamental duty of government is to safeguard its people and maintain law and order, highlighting the vital role that effective legislation plays in this endeavour.
The state government, at the height of the Fulani herders crisis in the state, gave a marching order to all herdsmen to vacate the state.
Consequently, the deputy governor, Sam Ode, who led the state security council meeting early this year, told journalists that the state had commenced full implementation of the anti-open grazing law.
Meanwhile, the security situation in the state is yet to abate.
While speaking on the frequent crisis occasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen, the lawmaker pointed out that it is in the bid to guarantee the safety of their people that he and other members of the Benue state caucus at the National Assembly sponsored bills and raised several motions on the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives which have resulted in increased action and financial support from the President Bola Tinubu administration to Benue State, to enable the state combat insecurity.
Achado, however, reiterated his call for the enforcement of the Benue state anti-open grazing law, which was designed to provide a sustainable solution to the ongoing hardships faced by Benue farmers due to the activities of marauding herders.
“The relentless violence must end. Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, yet they live in constant fear,” Achado stated.
He called upon the Benue State Government to take decisive action to halt these unwarranted attacks, reminding Alia that silence in the face of such adversity may be interpreted as complicity.
Achado consoled the families of those who have lost loved ones to the several attacks by armed herders and encouraged the Tyoshin community and others affected to remain peaceful and resilient, even amidst their challenges.
“It is in our unity and strength that we will find hope and a path forward,” he said.
He, however, called for the establishment of a comprehensive security strategy that includes community engagement and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, believing that by fostering partnerships between the government and local communities, they can develop tailored approaches to tackle insecurity effectively.
