The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration to enforce the state's anti-open grazing law amid escalating security challenges in various communities across the state.
In a statement released on Thursday by the party's Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, the PDP condemned the ongoing security crises that continue to threaten peace, safety, and sustainable livelihoods of Benue residents.
"We reaffirm our steadfast support for the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state as popularly enacted in 2017 as the most effective and sustainable solution to the current security challenges," the statement read.
No Vacant Land in Benue
The party emphasized that there is no vacant land in Benue State to be shared with those who might seek to undermine the state's peace and security. They described the land as sacred ancestral inheritance that sustains the livelihoods of the people.
"It is crucial to communicate clearly to the Federal Government, and especially to the President of Nigeria, that there is no vacant land in Benue State to be shared with those who seek to undermine our state and threaten our peace," the statement continued.
The PDP called on both President Tinubu and Governor Alia to exercise the necessary political will to enforce the law fully and without delay, stressing that the enforceability of the open grazing prohibition law is paramount to restoring order and safeguarding agricultural resources.
Call for Immediate Action
While acknowledging the committee established by the President to review the matter, the PDP insisted that the time for prolonged debates has passed, and the people of Benue deserve swift, decisive action.
"We urge Governor Hyacinth Alia to maintain the integrity of the law and resist any attempts to repeal or weaken its effectiveness," Nyor added.
The party firmly supports the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law as the cornerstone of their strategy to resolve the current crises and called on all relevant authorities to enforce the law resolutely.
The anti-open grazing law was enacted in 2017 during the previous administration as a measure to address recurring farmer-herder conflicts in the state.
Stay updated on this developing story by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
