Governor Ortom Says Benue Anti-Open Grazing Also Prohibits Cow Theft

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Wednesday called on Fulani indigenous to Nigeria to speak out against the invasion of foreign Fulani into communities in the country.

He added that the Benue anti-open grazing law prohibited cattle rustling, adding it was a win-win for both herders and farmers.

Ortom spoke when he hosted a delegation of Nasarawa State Traditional Rulers who on behalf of the state government paid him a condolence visit.

The delegation, led by the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo, was in the state to condole Ortom and Benue State Traditional Council over the death of the Idoma paramount ruler, Ochi’Doma, Elias Ikoyi Obekpa.

Ortom said “Tiv people, Fulanis and other Nigerians had lived together peacefully until foreign Fulani were allowed to move into the country unchecked to cause the current violence being witnessed in the country.”

He explained that the anti-open grazing law of the state “does not discriminate against anyone but a win-win for herders and farmers. In as much as the law prohibits open grazing, it is also against cattle rustling. The law does not spare any offender from prosecution, including natives.”

The Emir of Keffi, who recalled his early days in Makurdi where he had his primary education, presented a condolence letter to Ortom from the Governor of Nasarawa State, saying the news of Och’Idoma demise was an unfortunate incident for Benue, Nasarawa and the entire country.