The ban on open grazing by the Benue State government has led to tension in some communities along the state’s border with Nasarawa State.
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue had signed the Anti-Grazing Law in May this year but it only came into effect today, Wednesday, November 1.
Hailed by residents of Benue State as much-needed, the law has attracted criticism from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.
In Nasarawa where there are many herdsmen, there have equally been concerns and tension, especially in the border communities, over the ban.
In reaction to the tension, the Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has called on residents in communities that share a border with Benue to go about their normal daily activities.
Governor Al-Makura said the government was aware of the tension in the border communities and determined to ensure adequate security to maintain law and order, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Musa Elayo.
The Governor appealed to the people in the communities not to do anything that would jeopardise the existing peaceful co-existence between the two states.
Assuring the people of his commitment to ensuring the development of the state, he said it was important for them to live in peace irrespective of tribe and religious difference.
The Governor called on the stakeholders of the affected areas to continue to encourage dialogue and sensitise the residents, especially the youth and herdsmen on the need to embrace peace and avoid rumour mongering.
According to the Governor, any person or group who tries to incite the
people to cause disunity at the border communities would be brought to justice.
