The socio-cultural organization Ochetoha K'Idoma has attributed the recent surge in killings across Benue State to the relaxation of the state's anti-open grazing law, rather than ultimatums issued by local traditional rulers.
In an exclusive interview with BenriNews, the group's President, Magaji Mike Alidu, stated that the recent massacre that claimed over 200 lives was not triggered by ultimatums given to Fulani herders by the two paramount rulers in the state.
Ongoing Attacks Predate Ultimatum
"The recent massacre of over 200 people was not as a result of the ultimatum because, before, during and after the ultimatum, they attacked our people and they are still carrying out this attack," Alidu explained.
According to the Idoma leader, the primary cause of the escalating violence is the weakened enforcement of the state's anti-open grazing legislation. "The reason they are attacking us in this manner is that the anti-open grazing law is being relaxed in the state. If the law was being implemented, this thing would not have been happening," he emphasized.
Unified Stance Against Open Grazing
Alidu further noted that herders are resisting because Benue residents have united in their stance against open grazing. "They are resisting because Benue have come together with one voice from the youth, from the traditional council that have asked them to evacuate because this is farming season and Benue people need to go back to their farms," he said.
The ongoing conflict between herders and farmers in Benue State has resulted in significant loss of life and property, with recent attacks marking some of the deadliest incidents in the region's history.
The anti-open grazing law, first implemented in 2017, was designed to prevent clashes between nomadic herders and settled farming communities by prohibiting the free movement of livestock across farmlands.
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