Evolve ranching policy now – Benue gov, Ortom tells FG

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has urged the Federal Government to evolve a policy that will encourage the enforcement of open grazing and ranching of cattle as one of the ways to ensure peace and unity in the country.

Governor Ortom spoke today in a virtual presentation as guest lecturer on the occasion of the 2021 Press Week organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Correspondents Chapel, FCT Council, on the topic: “Insecurity in Nigeria: Restoring Peace, Unity and Progress.”

He called on the Federal Government to direct the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to enforce prohibition of open grazing laws passed by various states of the federation as well as implement the National Livestock Transformation Plan, NLTP in line with recommendations of the National Economic Council.

The Governor recommended payment of compensation to families of those killed and their properties destroyed by militia herdsmen in various communities across the country as well as arrest and prosecution of the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and other Fulani Socio-cultural groups who have consistently admitted to killings.

He called on the Federal Government to proscribe all militant Fulani groups as was done in the case of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), stressing that other terrorist groups should also be proscribed.

The Governor urged the Federal Government to support the resettlement and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons as a result of herdsmen atrocities in all states of the country.

According to him, all patriotic Nigerians must support Security agencies with intelligence gathering about criminal activities, stressing that justice, fairness and equity for all should be encouraged.

The Governor described the NUJ as the bastion of justice and hope, which holds a mirror to assist leaders to reflect on their actions as they lead the country.