Dancing on the grave of our people: One year of Benue anti-open grazing law enactment

By: Iorliam’Amo Shija

Last year, on a day like this, the full wrath of the Benue State prohibition of Anti Open Grazing and Provision of Ranch Act came into force.

The law, was enacted by the Benue State Assembly and signed into law May of last year, but Governor Ortom, gave a grace period, to delay the enforcement of the law. Than put their aces together and cooperate with govt, Mayetti Allah Cattle Breeders association of Nigeria and Mayetti Allah Kautal Horel , pro Fulani herdsmen bodies, were publicly speaking to the press, that the law will not stop their grazing in Benue State. That even if it meant blood will spill.

From December, 2017- January 2018, true to their open threats, Fulani expansionist and herdsmen visited their wrath and mayhem on Guma, Logo, Gwer, Gwer, East and other parts of the state killing our men in their thousands, including priests and Christians.

What was the response of govt? At the state level, Samuel Ortom, refused to go the way of his Plateau counter part, or even the path of his Zamfara counter, to go on as if nothing happened, and even if possible cover up, so as to remain politically correct. Ortom spoke out, sacrificed his politics for his people.

The Federal Govt ignored us, and when our stakeholders went to visit the president in Asso Villa, he told them to go and live at peace with our stick carrying neighbors. When Ortom continued to speak and The presidency came under pressure, oga said it appeared Ghadaffi had sent emissaries to Benue.

Is this a situation that a creative and promising young man should attempt to trivialize because of elections and politics? El Stuffy, my brother, a few years ago, I asked the people how far you can go. I observed that as a graduate, would you remain a composer of songs for politicians or moved on? There were mixed reactions.

This year, I emplore you to look at the successful lives of Tarkegh Golozo, Tondu Kumbur and Pevikyaa Zege. These people did not rise against their people. This war, it is not against Ortom. Yes in 2011, you declared a war against Tor Tiv, with your Tor Tiv and Ikyuma in the palm song and won. But note that Tor was not standing with his people.

This song you have composed For wicked people to dance on the graves of our martys will sink you. Kpei, angon, u kpem m ese u jembe yo u va gber mule ve.