Benue Anti-grazing Law: Herdsmen to Move 10 Million Cows to Nasarawa

Following the enactment of the anti-grazing bill by Samuel Ortom-led Benue State Government, about 10 million cows owned by members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN )will have to be moved from Benue to the neighbouring Nasarrawa State, Awe Local Government.

According to the Chairman of the association, the association was collaborating with the Nigerian Army, the police and other relevant stakeholders in Nasarawa State to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Chiding Governor Ortom for not finding alternative means of grazing for herdsmen before enacting the anti-grazing bill the MACBAN Chairman reportedly told journalist that, “Our major problem is fear of our cows, particularly since farmers have yet to harvest their crops from their farms.

“We are in difficult situation. We are trying our best to ensure that peace reigns between us and the host community in Awe.”

A farmer in Awe, Abigail Bitraus , said she had to quickly rush to her farm to harvest her rice when she heard about the cattle being moved in by the herdsmen; even though, it was not the appropriate time to do so.

She said, “The large number of Fulani herdsmen and their cows scare me. When I learnt that they were relocating from Benue State to Nasarawa State, I had to rush to my farm to harvest my rice.”

Whereas, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State said he had already set up a committee in all the local government areas adjoining Benue State to monitor the movement and the migration of the Fulani herdsmen, warning that the destruction of farmlands and attacks on homes would not be tolerated.