Benue crisis: Orders without action

I had expected to read that both the President of Nigeria and the Governor of Benue State had tendered their resignations over the latest killings of more than 200 people in Benue. That would have been the honourable path in a truly responsible democracy. But, as always, in their familiar style of playing politics with […]

I had expected to read that both the President of Nigeria and the Governor of Benue State had tendered their resignations over the latest killings of more than 200 people in Benue. That would have been the honourable path in a truly responsible democracy. But, as always, in their familiar style of playing politics with people’s lives, the President instead, issued a late, tepid statement filled with blame-shifting and vague directives to security chiefs to “be on top of the situation.”

One must ask: Where were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia when tensions were rising in the state? Were they unaware that armed herders had issued threats of reprisal over the alleged killing of their cattle by locals? Did the security apparatus not alert them? If they were informed, what preventive steps did they take? The answers, sadly, are loud in their silence. This glaring failure of proactive governance is a tragedy that keeps repeating itself in Nigeria.

The Benue State Commissioner of Police claimed in a press briefing that security forces are “in control.” But what does ‘being in control’ mean when entire villages are razed and innocent citizens slaughtered? This false sense of order has cost lives and exposed the weakness of Nigeria’s internal security strategy. It is unacceptable that those entrusted with protecting the people continue to act only after the carnage.

Let us be clear: the root of this recurring crisis is Nigeria’s failure to end open grazing. The persistence of this practice in the 21st century is not only backwards but deadly. Open grazing is no longer sustainable; it endangers lives, destroys livelihoods, escalates communal tensions, and undermines national food security. It pits herders and farmers against each other in a cycle of destruction and retaliation.

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As long as cattle continue to roam freely across communities, especially in farming regions, conflicts will erupt. This is not speculation; it is fact. According to data, over 2,600 Nigerians were killed in 2021 alone in herder-related violence. The toll continues to climb in 2024. These are not just numbers; they are lives cut short, dreams destroyed, families shattered.

It is disheartening that Governor Alia has chosen to respond with flowery rhetoric on air rather than bold policy actions on the ground. He should recognise that this violence stems directly from open grazing and that the only sustainable remedy is the enforcement of ranching. The Benue State House of Assembly must wake up to its legislative responsibility by criminalising open grazing and mandating the establishment of ranches. Anything less is a betrayal of their constituents.

With the population of cattle in Nigeria, it is alarming that the government still tolerates a practice that allows animals to roam across states unchecked. No country aspiring to security and development does this. The federal government must accept responsibility. Its refusal to act decisively on ranching is fuelling not just communal clashes, but also banditry and insurgency. President Tinubu and his administration must abandon political correctness and take bold, practical steps.

This crisis is about land, water, and scarce resources. But rather than approach it with wisdom and policy, the government continues to treat it as a routine security issue. That is a fundamental mistake. What is required is a national framework that outlaws open grazing, promotes ranching, and supports both herders and farmers with modern, peaceful alternatives. The President must lead this initiative with sincerity and urgency.

Let it be known that the people of Benue are not desperate for presidential visits; they are desperate for peace. The time for action is now. The violence in Benue, Plateau, Ondo, Nasarawa, and other states is a loud warning. Ranching must replace open grazing. Leadership must rise to the occasion. Enough of these endless condolences. Nigerians want to live. They want to farm. They want to raise their children without fear. Ending open grazing is not optional; it is survival.

 

Kazeem Olalekan Israel send in the piece from Ibadan, Oyo Stae.