Reps working on law to end attacks on Benue communities

The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Security, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Ali Isah, has assured that the House is set to pass appropriate laws, which would put a stop to the frequent attacks on communities in Benue State.

Isah, who led a combined team of members of his committee and that of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) led by AVM Charles Otegande to Benue, condemned the attack on Agatu and other communities in the state by herdsmen.

He commended Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and NEMA for their efforts in alleviating the hardship confronting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Responding, Ortom thanked the lawmakers for their prompt response to the plight of Benue people and called on all Nigerians to condemn the attacks.

Ortom said apart from previous attacks on Agatu community, other local council areas were attacked and some are still being ravaged by herdsmen. He urged both the state and Federal Government to assist in the reclamation of farmlands taken over by the cattle grazers.

“These invaders came and took over our land. We are really under trauma; something urgently has to be done by both the state and federal governments. As we talk today, herders are all over the place and it is impossible for cows and farmers to work together.”

The governor, who reiterated that it is impossible for grazing routes and farms to go together due to population explosion, advised that a long time solution should be adopted by creating ranches. He cited countries like Senegal and Switzerland as good examples of where this option is adopted.

“This is cropping period and our people must go back to farm; otherwise, there will be famine. This is why the National Assembly must make haste and pass the bill on creation of ranches,” Ortom stated.