Categories: Metro

Herder arraigned in Benue for open grazing, crop damage

Saleh Abu, a herder residing in Awe Azara, Nasarawa State, has been brought before the Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court in Benue State on Friday. He faces a three-count charge, including conspiracy, open grazing, and damage to crops.

Despite the charges, Abu pleaded not guilty to the allegations. The police received a report on July 17, 2023, from Sesugh Hiligh, who claimed that the defendant and others at large drove their herd of cows and sheep into his Guinea corn, maize, and melon farm at Railway Mbamar Village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue. The animals allegedly consumed crops amounting to N700,000.

The prosecutor, Inspector Godwin Ato, cited violations of Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Benue, 2004, and Section 19(1)(2)(3) of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches (Establishment) Law of Benue, 2017.

In light of the case, the chief magistrate, Mrs. Roseline Iyorshie, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with a surety in like sum. The court has adjourned the case until August 21 for further proceedings.

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Benue Assembly suspends five lawmakers over altered Otukpo LG report

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended five of its members for allegedly manipulating…

9 hours ago

Army rescues soldiers, 7 other passengers abducted by robbers on Jos–Makurdi road

Eight passengers, including a serving soldier, have been rescued by troops of Operation Safe Haven…

17 hours ago

Gov Alia condemns killing of Igede youths, attack on Nyifon communities, orders immediate arrest of perpetrators

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has strongly denounced the recent killing of two…

17 hours ago

Benue State introduces drone surveillance for emergency monitoring, IDP camp oversight

The Benue State Government has unveiled a new surveillance initiative aimed at tracking developments within…

17 hours ago

2027: Benue’s Kwande Intermediate Area endorses Tinubu, throws weight behind SGF Akume

The people of Benue’s Kwande Intermediate Area have pledged their unalloyed support for President Bola…

2 days ago

Benue: Gov Alia’s ex-Commissioner Odoh refutes EFCC probe, threatens legal action

Former Benue State Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Odoh Ugwu, has…

2 days ago