Again, Benue restates objection to grazing routes 

For the umpteenth time, the Benue state government has stated that the state has no land for grazing and is therefore opposed to the establishment of grazing reserves in the state.

This is even as the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe had stated that the federal government would not force any state to part with any land for the purpose of cattle grazing or force herdsmen on any state. Both Governor Ortom and Chief Ogbe spoke at the Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Grazing Reserves and Stock Routes organized by the Technical Committee on Pasture and Grazing Reserve Development set up by the federal government and the Governor Maintained that establishment of ranches remains the best solution to the recurring farmers/herdsmen clashes in the country. Represented by his deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu, Governor Ortom stated that cattle rearing is a private business and so the federal government should not be bullish about acquiring grazing land for the owners who should be able as businessmen to source feed for their cattle.

Ortom restated that Benue state recognises the right of the herdsmen to move to any part of the country, settle and do business in line with the constitution but frowns at the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent Benue farmers, destruction of their farm crops and the forced occupation of their land.