The House of Representatives Member for Gwer East/Gwer West in Benue State, Asema Achado, has urged Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to enforce the state’s anti-open grazing law.
Achado made the call during a condolence visit to the Wa-Ndoo-Mbakyor community in Gwer East LGA following the killing of 17 people on March 7, 2024, by armed invaders.
He emphasised the need for swift enforcement of the anti-grazing prohibition law and the prosecution of those responsible for the attack on Wa-Ndoo community.
He condemned the assault as an “intolerable act of evil” and reaffirmed his commitment to serving his constituents by donating N1.2m to the community for procuring seedlings for the upcoming farming season.
In response, representatives from Wa-Ndoo community, Zaki Sakuma Tov, and Sir Simon Kofi (president of Mbaikyor community in the diaspora), praised Achado for his dedication and compassion towards the people of his constituency.
They expressed gratitude for the visit, highlighting its significance in showing solidarity in the face of adversity caused by recent attacks.
Daily Trust reports that the state government previously issued a two-week ultimatum, which expired on March 6, 2023, to herders grazing openly in the state to leave.
The government warned that it would begin implementing the grazing law after the ultimatum expired.
