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Await Legal Consequence Of Violating Ranching Law – Gov Ortom Warn Herders

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A fresh warning has been issued by the Governor, Samuel Ortom of Benue State as regards herders who are trooping into the state for the purpose of tending their animals.

In a statement made available to newsmen a moment ago, the state government noted that its administration needs to bring to the remembrance of its citizens and new people coming in of the law which binds breeding of cattle in the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Terver Akase, who disclosed the details said that the law against cattle breeding in the state remains intact and that no individual or group of persons will go unpunished for violating it.

“Whoever wants to do livestock business in Benue State should remember that there is a law in place which regulates animal husbandry,” He said.

He warned further that all herders trooping into the state should await a legal consequence of their actions.

He added, “The Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 is sacrosanct and must be obeyed by everyone, irrespective of ethnicity, religion and place of origin. The law does not accord preferences to anyone.”

“It is also pertinent to point out that since the 1st of November 2017 when enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishments Law commenced, no cattle owner or herder has applied for land lease to operate a ranch. This is a clear indication that the pastoralists are bent on resisting enforcement of the law.

“We call on Benue people to remain peaceful, law-abiding and volunteer information regarding open grazing of animals to the state Livestock Guards whose job it is to support conventional security operatives in enforcing the legislation.

“Nigerians who wish to engage in livestock and other businesses in Benue State are encouraged to do so as the Samuel Ortom administration is willing to collaborate with investors in different sectors of the economy.”

Meanwhile, Naija News had reported earlier that Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Samuel Ortom of wasting public funds on needless foreign trips.

They, therefore, advised the governor to halt such trips and focus on the task of state-building and good governance.