Open grazing: Gov. Ortom urges border communities to alert security agencies

By Terver Akase

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has urged those living in border communities to provide useful and timely information to government and security agencies to enable them prevent the influx of nomadic herders and cattle into the state.

He made the call today at Tse-Kyogen, a community near the border between Benue and Nasarawa states.

Governor Ortom whose convoy stopped on sighting a herd of cattle on the Benue side of the border, ordered security men to apprehend the law breakers.

He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to ensuring that open grazing of animals no longer has a place in the state.

The Governor said security had been reinforced, stressing that anyone who violates the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state would be arrested for prosecution and his animals impounded.

He stated that prompt information to security operatives and livestock guards and would enhance surveillance in areas where those who deliberately want to violate the law operate.

Governor Ortom emphasized that anyone who wishes to breed livestock in Benue should do so according to the law.

It will be recalled that on Wednesday this week, Governor Ortom and other Governors of Central Nigerian states met in Lafia, Nasarawa State at the instance of the Inspector General of Police, to brainstorm on the need for intensive community policing.
The meeting also deliberated on curbing conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in parts of the Central Nigeria region.