Benue State governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom,
yesterday cried for help from the authorities and private interests to enable the state conquer the
Fulani herdsmen, whose activities have led to frequent clashes with farmers
resulting in loss of lives and property worth
millions of naira.
The governor who hosted the officials of the
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by the President, Rev. Dr. Samson
Ayokunle, in Government House, Markudi, also informed the officials that 12 out
23 local council areas in the state had been under the siege of herdsmen
for two years,
He listed the affected areas to include,
Gwer-west, Kwande, Tarka , Buruku, Guma, Logo, Agatu, Gwer-East, Ukum.
He lamented that the inhuman activities of the
marauding herdsmen had forced the locals out of their farmlands, resulting in
food shortage, hunger, poverty and untold hardship on the people.
Governor Ortom said the government had begun
the process of ending the incessant clashes through a pending bill in Benue House
of Assembly that would put an end to open grazing in any part of the state.
He commended the Federal Government for
periodic security reinforcement, which has drastically reduced the frequent
attacks in the affected areas.
The bill, according to the governor, has
passed through extensive open debate by all stakeholders in the state. Public
hearing had also been conducted to harness the views and contributions of the
all stakeholders for an all inclusive Bill that would be acceptable to all.
SUN NEWS reported that CAN president in his remarks explained that
the essence of the visit was to identify with the victims of herdsmen attacks
and the Christian community in the state as well as provide relief materials
that would help them pick up their lives again.
He warned the Federal Government about the
fast spreading menace of the herdsmen/farmers clashes across the
federation and the impending danger, if the “wicked” acts of the herdsmen were
not checked.
While appealing to the victims to maintain
peace and be law abiding, the CAN president reminded the government that no
group, irrespective of tribe and political affiliation had monopoly of
violence.
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