Benue and the anti-open grazing law

Suffice to say that there’s no argument against ranching as concerning livestock farming. It will bring peace between herders and farmers. Farmers will enjoy better yields and on the other hand, herders and cattle breeders will enjoy better meat and milk production with the chance to introduce hybrid cattle species that will reduce expenditure while […]

Suffice to say that there’s no argument against ranching as concerning livestock farming. It will bring peace between herders and farmers. Farmers will enjoy better yields and on the other hand, herders and cattle breeders will enjoy better meat and milk production with the chance to introduce hybrid cattle species that will reduce expenditure while improving income. Farmers will produce and sell hay for consumption by ranched cattle while herdsmen will collect and sell cow dung as organic fertiliser to farmers. The possibilities for collaboration and economic growth is endless, not forgetting the huge boost to national peace this effort affords and promotes.

The  seeks to encourage law-abiding herdsmen while reprimanding criminals bent on causing chaos through invasion of communities. It will also check cattle rustlers who hide under the cover of retaliation to perpetrate crime. According to Governor Samuel Ortom, “the anti-grazing law was unanimously endorsed by the Benue people and the target is not Fulani men but those who will violate the law by destroying people’s farms.” 

As the anti-grazing law takes full effect, there’s need for all to support this laudable effort in solving a problem that has plagued the country for so long. The state government has done its best to find solution to this complex generational challenge and it’s important that adequate security measures be put in place to ensure full implementation.

There’s need for military support in Benue and other attack-prone states in the country. 

Usha Anenga, Makurdi, Benue State, uanenga@ yahoo.com