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• Govt, MACBAN leaders meet on insecurity, ranching
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
As part of measures to curb acts of violence and insecurity allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen militia in the state, Benue State government have met with leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, (MACBAN), where they agreed that everyone in the business of animal husbandry must operate a ranch in obedience to the anti-open grazing law. This agreement was reached at a meeting held in Makurdi on Thursday convened by the state government and chaired by the Special Advisers to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security, Col. Igbaya Anshungu (rtd) and Chief Joseph Har, with caretaker chairmen of the 23 local government areas and leadership of MACBAN in the state.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Special Adviser, Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, (PSP), said “this meeting was convened because of the influx of herdsmen across Benue State.
“They are everywhere, in Kwande, in Naka in Gwer West, in Gwer East, Buruku, Tarka, Katsina Ala, and they came in thousands. It’s a source of worry.” Har said the law prohibiting open grazing was still in in force and must be obeyed by all who are in the business of rearing animal. Chief Har stated that cattle-rearing remains a lucrative business and as such, all who engage in it irrespective of tribe, must practise ranching.
He also said owners should provide all facilities needed for their business, noting that government would not take responsibility for that.
He reminded cattle breeders that the law was not against the Fulani but was meant for everyone to avoid incessant clashes between farmers and herders. He also, emphasized on the need to have a peace committee between the farmers and herders for strict enforcement of the law, while urging the herdsmen to ask the invaders to identify themselves as well as the troublemakers among them.
Har said: “As you go back tell your people not to react but be peaceful. We do not want to expose our people to any menace but advise them to remain calm. The large influx of cattle into the state is worrisome and disturbing. If you are doing business and someone comes to infringe on it, you will not be happy. Tell them to leave or it will be assumed that you (internal herders) invited them. We will not tolerate anyone infringing on our rights. The governor’s silence should not be mistaken for weakness.
Earlier, MACBAN chairman in the state, Ardo Mohammed Risku said that all stakeholders must be sincere as it concerns ranching. He frowned at the insistence on the herders to ranch while others adamantly refuse to ranch theirs. “Let us be sincere not to bring back the past. We should be sincere about ranching. Why should non-Fulanis who have cattle not ranch their cattle but insist that herders must ranch? We will collaborate with government to chase away external herder invaders,” Risku pledged.
