Benue state government has said the administration of Governor Samuel Ortom would not consider repealing the anti-open grazing law and would not abandon his people or surrender Benue land to any militia.
Benue state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Lawrence Onoja jr, who made this known at a press conference yesterday in Makurdi, noted that the governor and Benue people were still committed to the ranching law and would not succumb to intimidations by anybody, no matter his position.
Onoja said less than 48 hours after the Minister of Defence called for the suspension of anti-open grazing law, enacted in some states including Benue, the herdsmen invaded Guma and Logo LGAs in the early hours of Wednesday, killing and destroying properties.
He said comments by the Defence Minister, Mansur Dan Ali, could have possibly inspired the herdsmen, who had started withdrawing, to launch another attack on Guma and Logo local government areas, leaving nine persons dead, including a student preparing for examination.
“From the timing of these killings, these militia herdsmen must have been encouraged by the unfortunate statement of the Minister of Defence, who had just two days ago, suggested the suspension of the anti-open grazing law in Benue.
“The implication of such provocative statement is that these militia herdsmen could have been inspired in their attacks on Benue communities and the Benue state government completely lays the blame on this most recent attack on the Minister for Defense, Mansur Dan Ali, for such unguarded utterances.
“Mansur Dan-Ali should understand that his position as Defense Minister calls for a high sense of responsibility and composure in expressing his personal feelings through public utterances as such could be misinterpreted rightly or wrongly as an official position.
“It is unfortunate that a Minister of Defense who should be seen as the defender of the masses and chief promoter of public security and safety could be engaged in reckless and divisive statements that have only helped to raise tension,” he added.
He commended the Abia state government on behalf of the government and people of Benue state for passing the Anti-Open Grazing law and call on the security agencies to support the implementation of the law meant to promote peace and development of agriculture and livestock.
“The administration of Governor Samuel Ortom is committed to supporting the security agencies within the limit of available resources and power to restore fully security of the state while we appreciate the patience and restraint exhibited by our people in this crisis.
“We must remain law abiding despite this provocation from a top public servant who ordinarily should be a symbol of unity,” he noted.
