Anti-Open Grazing: Benue council to prosecute people who buy cattle from sellers in the bush

Ado Local Government Council of Benue state has announced plans are on the way to prosecute those who purchase cattle from sellers in the bush.

Chairman of the council, Mr James Oche, stated this on Wednesday when he received members of the Independent Print Media Publishers Association of Nigeria, (IPPAN) who paid him a courtesy call in Igumale, the local government headquarters.

He said an Executive Bill to give teeth to the order would soon be sent to the Legislative Council, adding that when it takes effect, buyers of cattle could only do so from ranches.

IDOMA VOICE gathered that bill is in furtherance to the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Establishment of Ranches Law.

According to Mr Oche, any violation would lead to the arrest and prosecution of both the seller and the buyer.

The Chairman disclosed that the local government area has continued to be under threat by Fulani herders’ who are bent on carrying out their nefarious activities in the area leading to several deaths.

He announced that within the last few weeks, Ado local government has lost over 200 persons to herdsmen attacks and over 150 persons in hospitals with varying degrees of injury, pointing out that there were over 7000 internally displaced persons in various camps in the area.

Mr Oche called on well meaning and spirited individuals, groups and Non Governmental Organizations to come to the aid of the local government in these trying times.

Speaking, National President, Independent Print Media Publishers Association of Nigeria, Mr Babs Usigbe condoled the Chairman and people of Ado over the loss of lives as a result of the attacks by the herders.

Mr Usigbe said it was regrettable and painful to see a people yearning to develop now leaving in perpetual fear and depression, and called on the people to remain united and support the government to overcome the enemies of progress.