Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chris Johnson
Published on 2024-02-16 12:56:12
The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State, has raised concerns over Governor Hyacinth Alia’s alleged failure to enforce the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law in the state. The law, enacted in 2017 under the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom, aimed to address the conflict between nomadic Fulani herdsmen and local farmers, which often resulted in bloodshed, destruction of farms, and displacement of communities.
According to PDP State Publicity Secretary Chief Bemgba Iortyom, Governor Alia’s approach to the herdsmen crisis, characterized by a lack of public attention and enforcement of the ban on open grazing, has led to a recent mass influx of Fulani herdsmen and their cattle into Benue State. This influx, he argues, poses an existential threat to the people of Benue. The PDP also questioned how Governor Alia’s “silent approach” serves the security and welfare of the people, as mandated by the Constitution of Nigeria.
They stated that the Benue State Livestock Guards, responsible for enforcing the ban on open grazing, have not been paid their wages since Governor Alia assumed office, raising doubts about the government’s commitment to enforcing the ban. The PDP expressed that the approach by former Governor Ortom’s administration, while not eradicating the herdsmen menace entirely, served to curb open grazing substantially and kept hopes alive that lands occupied by armed nomads would be reclaimed and displaced persons returned to their ancestral homes.
However, upon coming to power on May 29, 2023, Governor Alia declared a change in the government’s approach to the herdsmen crisis, stating that he would not be addressing the crisis in the open public attention as was done by his immediate predecessor, Chief Ortom. The PDP questioned how the ‘silent approach’ of Governor Alia serves the security and welfare of the people in the face of the record influx of Fulani herdsmen suspected to be armed and driving thousands of cattle across the state, in flagrant violation of the ban on open grazing which is still in force.
The party also expressed awareness that the Benue State Livestock Guards responsible for enforcing the ban on open grazing have not been paid their wages since Governor Alia assumed office, and their operational vehicles grounded. This puts to question if Governor Alia is genuinely committed to having them discharge their duties against the nomads violating the ban on open grazing in the state. The PDP also warned that the unchecked influx of armed Fulani herdsmen and their cattle into Benue, in violation of the open grazing ban, poses a grave threat to the people of the state. They called on Governor Alia to uphold his oath of office and resume the enforcement of the ban on open grazing to protect the people of Benue.
The concerns raised by the PDP highlight the growing tension and conflict between nomadic herdsmen and local farmers in Benue State. The lack of enforcement of the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law has led to a situation where the security and welfare of the people are at risk. It is imperative for Governor Alia to address these concerns and take necessary actions to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of Benue State.
In conclusion, the PDP’s statement brings attention to the urgent need for the government to address the crisis caused by the influx of armed Fulani herdsmen and their cattle. Governor Alia must prioritize the enforcement of the ban on open grazing to protect the people of Benue and uphold his responsibility to ensure security and welfare, as mandated by the Constitution of Nigeria.
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