The Muslim community in Benue has called on the federal government to deepen its support for ranching of livestock, especially cattle as earlier endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC).
The Islamic body made the call yesterday at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el Fitr homage on Governor Samuel Ortom.
Leader of the delegation and state chairman, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), who also represents the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar in Benue, Alhaji Garba Baba, described ranching as the only solution to farmers and herders’ crisis.
He also called on friends of the state, home and in the Diaspora, to assist in canvassing support for the smooth implementation of theOpen Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 of thestate.
“May we call at this juncture, once more on friends of Benue at home and in the Diaspora, to assist in canvassing support for the smooth implementation of the anti-open grazing law 2017.
“The law is meant to promote harmony and safeguard the wealth of both the herders and the farmers,” he stated.
Continuing, Garba said: We Muslim ummah wish to further call on the federal government to remain steadfast to the earlier decision taken by the National Economic Council that ranching of livestock isthe only solution to farmer/herder crisis.”
While acknowledging the deplorable condition of the internally displaced persons in the state, Garba called on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to make good his promises during his recent visit to IDPs’ camps in the state by ensuring that peace returns to the affected Benue communities for them to return to their homes.
He also called on the international community, humanitarian agencies as well as public spirited individuals and organisations to come tothe aid of the IDPs while praying for restoration of peace in the state.
Responding, Governor Ortom, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Ijohor (SAN) appreciated the JNI delegation for their open support for ranching and efforts at ensuringpeaceful coexistence among the various religious groups in the state.
