From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Following the influx of herdsmen and their cattle into the state, Benue State Government has stated that it will implement the anti open grazing to the latter as it will not cede any part of its land to invaders or bandits.
Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har and his counterpart, Special Adviser on Security and External Liaison, Col. Alexander Igbaya (rtd), made this vow while speaking with newsmen Tuesday evening, after appearing before the State House of Assembly.
Daily he Sun had reported the concerns of Benue residents and that of the Tiv Area Traditional Council, (TAC) over the influx of herdsmen and their cattle into the state despite the Open Grazing Prohibition Law being in place.
Less than 24 hours after the report, the State House of Assembly summoned the security chiefs over the concerns raised.
Addressing newsmen in Makurdi, Col. Igbaya (rtd) said the Governor is unhappy with the security situation of the state and as such, is working hard to rejig the anti-open grazing law to make it stronger.
“The crux of the matter is the herdsmen invasion and just last Saturday, the Governor made a categorical statement in Katsina-Ala. He talked about the security of the State and was specific on some items and made it clear that he was not happy with what is going on and that he will not compromise. He is rejiging the anti-open grazing law to be stronger.
“We came back and suddenly got this letter from the House to discuss security matters on the floor of the House which we thought was not proper. They asked a lot of questions and at the end, asked us to report back next Tuesday or face certain consequences.
“We have been advising and talking to appropriate security agencies. Recently we developed numbers which we gave to communities across the State,three lines to call us if there are security problems in their areas.
“Later we went to Operation Whirl Stroke, (OPWS) and got their operational number and circulated across the State through the Adviser on Local Government as well as traditional rulers to call and they will respond.
“We asked them to revert to us for follow up. We are also informing the security agencies about the influx of cattle in the State. They are aware and we do not know what they are planning to do.”
Ashungu who reiterated that the anti-open grazing law is still in force said “The only thing is that the last executive council meeting before the Ortom government left, gave a two week holiday to those who claimed that they did not know the law existed to quit the state. That is what we met.
“On Agatu killings, the Governor would not have called for a State Security Council meeting because there were other killings which if the Security Council would have cumulatively brought up. It is not yet time, the security council meets quarterly but there can be an emergency one. I was in Agatu with the Deputy Governor and the Commanders,” he added. Also speaking, the adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har said they are mapping out sustainable strategies to secure the State from invaders, bandits and criminals.
He stated that “It is better to do something strategically than do something that you cannot contain. So, strategically we are handling this matter and you are going to see the results very soon.
“We have called several meetings with Miyetti Allah Cattle rearers and we told them in clear terms that the law (anti-open grazing) has not been repealed and anyone who wants to do cattle business in the State must do it according to the law. It is not about Fulani but it is about anyone irrespective of your tribe.”
Har said that “By Thursday, February 15, 2024, we are going to have a robust meeting of all cattle rearers in Benue State and we will read the riot act. Remember we have been talking about the carrot and stick approach. The carrot approach is what we have been doing to tell people that the state is not open to open grazing. Now they have taken it as a sign of weakness, it is time to read the riot act.”