Sir Kula Tersoo, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Alia briefing newsmen after the Security Council meeting
The Benue State Security Council has given armed herders in the state that are engaged in open grazing two weeks ultimatum to vacate the state, with effect from Wednesday, 21th February, 2021.
The ultimatum was handed down in a Communique issued at the end of the Security Council meeting held in Government house, Makurdi, after over eight hours of deliberations.
Reading the Communique to newsmen last Tuesday night, Sir Kula Tersoo, Chief Press Secretary (CPS), to Governor Hyacinth Alia said a 7-man Committee has also been set up to enforce the process.
It therefore means that the Committee would work towards ensuring that it stops the influx of herdsmen into the state and also ensure that those that were already in the state, exit latest by 6th March, 2024.
Council also warned those that invited herdsmen into Benue to desist forthwith, even as it charged security agencies, traditional rulers and members of the public to report those in the habit of collaborating and inviting armed herders into the state for prosecution.
He said, “In furtherance of the efforts of Benue State Government to find lasting peace in the state following the influx of armed herders in communities, after thorough deliberation, the following resolutions were reached to be implemented as a way of ensuring peace:
“That the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 (Anti-Open Grazing Law) is still in force; That armed herders/invaders to immediately leave Benue State.
“That those who invited the armed herders/invaders to immediately desist from such act. Security agencies, traditional rulers and the general public should intensify efforts and uncover for prosecution any person in the habit of collaborating/inviting armed herders into the State.
“That those operating open grazing within the State are given two weeks” ultimatum with effect from 21st February, 2024 to desist.
Furthermore, the Security Council said “That a seven-man committee is set up to ensure the enforcement of the ultimatum given” by the State Security Council.
“Council is urging the general public to remain calm and security conscious as the State Government is making every conceivable effort to ensure adequate security of lives and property in the State.
“Council also reviewed the hardship and looming food insecurity in the Nation and urged the people of Benue state to remain calm as efforts are being put in place to ameliorate the situation.”
The decision to hand down the ultimatum to armed herders that have flooded the state is coming at the heels of a meeting with the leadership of the herdsmen last week, where they were told in unambiguous terms that the Anti-Open Grazing Law in Benue state was still in force.
