Attacks: MACBAN, Benue Govt, team up against invading foreign armed herdsmen
….invading armed herdsmen must leave Benue – Security Adviser
By Peter Duru, Makurdi
The leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, has pledged to team up with the Benue State government to rout out invading foreign herdsmen in the state.
The State Chairman of MACBAN, Ardo Risku Mohammed made the pledge at a meeting of herders, Benue Local Government Council Chairmen, Security heads, Traditional Rulers and other stakeholders summoned by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har as well as his counterpart on External Security and Strategy, Lt. Col. Alex Anshungu(retd).
Addressing the gathering, Ardo Risku decried the activities of unknown armed herdsmen who were trooping into the state from other parts of the country with cattle advising that a committee of stakeholders be set up to ensure proper coordination of peaceful coexistence between herders and their host communities.
He blamed the recent attacks in the state on the gang of invading herders saying the local herdsmen knew nothing about their entry into the state assuring that they were ready to collaborate with the state government to have them chased out of the state.
He said: “As a leader I know that no stranger can overtake the host. So we will collaborate with government to chase away the external invading herders.”
He also called for sincerity in the call for ranching of cattles saying that the ranching law should be applicable to Fulani herdsmen and non Fulani herders.
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The Special Adviser Security and Internal Affairs cautioned herders that the Benue State Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law was still in force and would be totally enforced in the state.
He noted that cattle rearing was a lucrative business and those in the venture should not look unto the government for assistance but ranch their herds in line with the provisions of the law.
Har pointed out that the law was enacted for all herders irrespective of tribe or religion, emphasising on the need to have a peace committee between the farmers and herders for strict enforcement of the law.
He said, “as you go back tell your people not to react but be peaceful. We do not want to expose our people to any menace but advise them to remain calm.
“The large influx of cattle into the State is worrisome and disturbing. If you are doing business and someone comes to infringe on it, you will not be happy. Tell them to leave or it will be assumed that you (internal herders) invited them, we will not tolerate anyone infringing on our right.
“The Governor’s silence should not be mistaken for weakness. Local Government Council Chairmen should also restrain their people from attacking herders’ cattle.”
The State Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, and Chairman of Konshisha LGA, Mr. Philip Achuah assured that no local government would encourage the locals to attack herders.
He urged Council Chairmen to liaise with the leadership of Fulani herders in their localities to ensure peace even as he appealed to the herders to talk to the invading external Fulani herders to vacate the State.( VANGUARD)
