The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State, has raised concerns over Governor Hyacinth Alia’s alleged failure to enforce the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law in the state.

The law, enacted in 2017 under the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom, aimed to address the conflict between nomadic Fulani herdsmen and local farmers, which often resulted in bloodshed, destruction of farms, and displacement of communities.

According to PDP State Publicity Secretary Chief Bemgba Iortyom, Governor Alia’s approach to the herdsmen crisis, characterized by a lack of public attention and enforcement of the ban on open grazing, has led to a recent mass influx of Fulani herdsmen and their cattle into Benue State.

This influx, he argues, poses an existential threat to the people of Benue.

The PDP also questioned how Governor Alia’s “silent approach” serves the security and welfare of the people, as mandated by the Constitution of Nigeria.

They stated that the Benue State Livestock Guards, responsible for enforcing the ban on open grazing, have not been paid their wages since Governor Alia assumed office, raising doubts about the government’s commitment to enforcing the ban.

“This approach by Chief Ortom and his administration, while it did not totally eradicate the herdsmen menace, served to curb open grazing substantially, and also kept hopes alive that lands occupied by armed nomads would be reclaimed and displaced persons returned to their ancestral homes.

“However, upon coming to power on May 29, 2023, Governor Alia declared a change in the government’s approach to the herdsmen crisis, as he stated that he would not be addressing the crisis in the open public attention as was done by his immediate predecessor, Chief Ortom.

“PDP, therefore, questions how the ‘silent approach’ of Governor Alia serves the security and welfare of the people in the face of the record influx of Fulani herdsmen suspected to be armed and driving thousands of cattle across the state, in flagrant violation of the ban on open grazing which is still in force.

“The party is also aware that the Benue State Livestock Guards responsible for enforcing the ban on open grazing have not been paid their wages since Governor Alia assumed office, and their operational vehicles grounded, and this puts to question if really the governor is desirous of having them discharge their duties against the nomads violating the ban on open grazing in the state.” The statement reads in part.

The PDP also warned that the unchecked influx of armed Fulani herdsmen and their cattle into Benue, in violation of the open grazing ban, poses a grave threat to the people of the state.

They called on Governor Alia to uphold his oath of office and resume the enforcement of the ban on open grazing to protect the people of Benue.

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