The Benue State Government engaged in discussions with the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) on Thursday to ensure the proper implementation of the anti-open grazing law, which emphasises the practice of ranching for cattle.
Chaired by the Special Advisers to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security, Col. Igbaya Anshungu [retired], and Chief Joseph Har, the meeting took place in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. Attendees included the caretaker chairmen of the 23 local government areas and the leadership of state MACBAN.
Chief Joseph Har, the Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, urged complete compliance with the anti-open grazing law, emphasising that it is not targeted at the Fulani but designed to prevent frequent clashes between farmers and herders.
He cautioned against any form of retaliation and advised the herders to remain peaceful. Chief Har expressed concern about the significant influx of cattle into the state and stressed the need for everyone to abide by the law to avoid infringing on the rights of the people.
He warned against any violation of the law and stated that the Governor’s silence should not be perceived as weakness. Har also mentioned that local government chairmen should ensure that their communities refrain from attacking herders’ cattle.
“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.
“Government did not contract any Alh.Tershaku to speak on its behalf. Local government chairmen should restrain their people from attacking herders cattle,” he said.
Ardo Mohammed Risku, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders in the State, called for sincerity in the implementation of ranching practices. He questioned why non-Fulanis with cattle are not required to ranch while insisting that herders must adopt ranching.
“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 they insist the herders must ranch?” he questioned.
Risku pledged to collaborate with the government to ensure strict compliance with the rules, emphasising that no external herder invaders would be allowed to disrupt the order. He stressed the importance of working together to prevent any reoccurrence of past conflicts.
“As a leader I do not know all the locations, no stranger can overtake the host. We will collaborate with the government to chase away external herder invaders,” he said.
