PDP Raises Concerns Over Governor’s Handling of Herdsmen Crisis in Benue State

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has expressed 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, was designed to address the conflict between nomadic Fulani herdsmen and local farmers, which often led to bloodshed, farm destruction, and community displacement.

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

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

They noted 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.

The PDP’s statement reads in part, “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.”

The PDP 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.