The Member of the House of Representatives representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Asema Achado, has advocated for the strict enforcement of Benue State’s anti-open grazing law as a means to halt the ongoing violence in the region.
In a statement released through his media aide, Mendah Manasseh, and shared with journalists in Makurdi on Sunday, Achado emphasized that the anti-open grazing law, established under the previous administration of Governor Samuel Ortom, was crafted to address the escalating insecurity caused by the activities of armed herders in the state.
Achado expressed alarm over the continuous attacks in Gwer West Local Government Area, which have resulted in widespread fear, emotional trauma, and physical harm among residents.
He attributed the violence to suspected Fulani militia, stressing that the lives and livelihoods of the people of Benue are being severely disrupted.
These persistent attacks, he noted, have left deep psychological scars on the affected communities, aggravating an already dire situation for farmers who form the backbone of the state’s economy.
The lawmaker also voiced disappointment over what he described as the apparent silence of Governor Hyacinth Alia on the escalating crisis.
According to Achado, Governor Alia’s lack of response to the recurring incidents of violence has left many in a state of hopelessness and insecurity.
He questioned the governor’s decision not to fully implement the anti-open grazing law, which has seemingly been inactive since Alia assumed office in May 2023.
He underscored that one of the core responsibilities of any government is to protect its citizens and uphold law and order. Effective legislation, Achado stressed, is key to achieving this.
The anti-open grazing law, which had been enforced under the previous administration, was specifically designed to prevent violent confrontations between farmers and herders by establishing a legal framework for ranching and restricting open grazing within the state.
The Benue State Government had previously taken a strong stance against the encroachment of herders, issuing an ultimatum for all herdsmen to vacate the state.
Earlier this year, the deputy governor, Sam Ode, led a state security council meeting where he affirmed to journalists that the state was fully committed to enforcing the law.
However, despite these pronouncements, the security situation in Benue remains precarious, with attacks continuing unabated.
Reflecting on the broader insecurity plaguing the region, Achado emphasized that he and other Benue representatives in the National Assembly have taken proactive steps by sponsoring bills and raising motions to draw federal attention to the crisis.
This advocacy, he claimed, has resulted in increased federal support and resources from President Bola Tinubu’s administration to help the state tackle the insecurity head-on.
In his call for action, Achado reiterated the need for Governor Alia to resume full enforcement of the anti-open grazing law, stressing that it holds the key to alleviating the suffering of farmers.
“The relentless violence must end. Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, yet they live in constant fear,” Achado stated.
He further urged the state government to break its silence and act swiftly, warning that continued inaction could be perceived as tacit complicity.
Achado expressed sympathy for the families of those killed in the frequent attacks by armed herders and urged affected communities, such as the Tyoshin community, to remain united and resilient despite the ongoing violence.
In addition, Achado called for a comprehensive security strategy that prioritizes collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities.
He believes that through coordinated community engagement, the state can develop more targeted and effective approaches to combat the growing insecurity.
“It is in our unity and strength that we will find hope and a path forward,” he concluded.
