Benue State governor, Mr Samuel Ortom has challenged the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore to prepare for litigation in Court over open grazing ban in Benue, saying that the law against moving cows freely in the State is irrevocable.
The governor reacted after the Secretary General of Miyetti Allah, Saleh Hassan threatened to drag Benue State governor to Court at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, May 9th, 2022.
The Fulani group through their Secretary General alleged that cows of their members were seized by Benue State forest guards on account of violation of the ban on open grazing of cattle in the state.
Reacting through a statement which was signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Ortom dismissed Miyetti Allah’s claims that cows of their members were seized illegally.
Ortom insisted that anti-open grazing law in Benue was clear to everybody and anyone found breaching the law will face its consequences, saying that when such herds are seized by the Livestock Guards, a time frame is given for owners to come forward and claim.
“When the time given by law elapses, we are left with no option but to auction. And that is what has taken place.”
He stated that “As a state, we are law-abiding and we cannot allow lawlessness,” explaining that the law came into force in 2017 and was reviewed this year after it underwent every legislative process. “So anybody or group who violates it will bear the consequences.”
He stated: “We are prepared to meet them in court. The law is made to be obeyed so that we can have an orderly society. This law protects the interest of everyone irrespective of tribe or religion. It protects herders against rustling and also protects farmers who suffer the loss of their crops.”
Governor Ortom maintained that “Everyone is free to ply his or her legitimate business in this state in so much as they do not infringe on the provisions of this law against open grazing.”
The Governor said he will not compromise the security and welfare of all citizens and inhabitants in the state.
