The Catholic Bishop of the Katsina-Ala Diocese, Isaac Dugu, has raised alarm over the persistent killings and displacement of residents in Benue State, allegedly by Fulani herdsmen.
Speaking during a sermon on Sunday in Katsina-Ala, Bishop Dugu questioned the fate of the anti-open grazing law, which was enforced under the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom.
He noted that the law, when actively implemented, significantly curbed the activities of herdsmen due to the support it received from authorities at the time.
The cleric called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to take decisive action within seven days to halt the killings, warning that continued inaction could lead to widespread loss of lives.
“If the people are all gone, who will the governor govern?” he asked.
It will be recalled that the Livestock Guards, tasked with enforcing the anti-open grazing law, were disbanded under the Alia administration.
Additionally, the trucks previously used to track and seize livestock violating the ban have been repurposed for the state-owned Benue Links transport service.
As enforcement weakens, Bishop Dugu lamented that the killings continue, and the displacement and occupation of Benue lands expand further.
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