Benue attacks: Security Advisers summon Miyetti Allah, others
By Peter Duru, Makurdi
The leadership of Miyetti Allah have been summoned by the Benue State Government over the recent influx of cattle and herdsmen into the state and the consequent attacks on various communities of the state.
The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har as well as his counterpart on External Security and Strategy, Lt. Col. Alex Anshungu(retd) made this known in Makurdi shortly after appearing before the Benue State House of Assembly.
The duo where summoned by the House to explained the recent armed herders attacks in the state and why herdsmen were gaining access into Benue communities to graze openly in total disregard for the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
The House at the end of the meeting directed the duo to take decisive steps to address the situation and appear before the House next Tuesday to brief it accordingly.
Speaking after the meeting with the lawmakers, Col. Anshungu informed that steps were already being taken to strategically handle the situation without exposing the locals to danger.
He noted that the anti open grazing law was still inforce in the state, pointing out that “security personnel including the military have already been alerted of the development and they know that the law should be enforced.
“And just last Saturday, Governor Hyacinth Alia made a categorical statement in Katsina-Ala, where he talked about the security of the State and was specific on some items and clearly stated that he was not happy with what is going on and that he will not compromise. He also assured that he would rejig the anti-open grazing law to make stronger.”
On his part, the Security Adviser on Internal Affairs, pointed out that as Security Advisers, they had led several operations to rescue kidnap victims and to ensure security in Benue communities stressing they they had been up and doing in the discharge of their responsibilities as Security Advisers.
He said: “We keep telling everyone that security is not discussed but it is done and acted on. We are doing our best and will continue to do. No part of Benue will be ceded. It is better to do something strategically than do something that you cannot contain.
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The duo where summoned by the House to explained the recent armed herders attacks in the state and why herdsmen were gaining access into Benue communities to graze openly in total disregard for the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
The House at the end of the meeting directed the duo to take decisive steps to address the situation and appear before the House next Tuesday to brief it accordingly.
Speaking after the meeting with the lawmakers, Col. Anshungu informed that steps were already being taken to strategically handle the situation without exposing the locals to danger.
He noted that the anti open grazing law was still inforce in the state, pointing out that “security personnel including the military have already been alerted of the development and they know that the law should be enforced.
“And just last Saturday, Governor Hyacinth Alia made a categorical statement in Katsina-Ala, where he talked about the security of the State and was specific on some items and clearly stated that he was not happy with what is going on and that he will not compromise. He also assured that he would rejig the anti-open grazing law to make stronger.”
On his part, the Security Adviser on Internal Affairs, pointed out that as Security Advisers, they had led several operations to rescue kidnap victims and to ensure security in Benue communities stressing they they had been up and doing in the discharge of their responsibilities as Security Advisers.
He said: “We keep telling everyone that security is not discussed but it is done and acted on. We are doing our best and will continue to do. No part of Benue will be ceded. It is better to do something strategically than do something that you cannot contain.
“It is not about Fulani but it is about anyone irrespective of your tribe. By Thursday, we are going to have a robust meeting of all cattle rearers in Benue State and we will read the riot act. Remember we have been talking about the carrot and stick approach. The carrot approach is what we have been doing to tell the people that the State is not open to open grazing. Maybe they took it as a sign of weakness, it is time to read the riot act.”
