Suspension of Grazing Law Fuels Insecurity in Benue — PDP Gov Aspirant
Reported By Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi
MAKURDI —A governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Peter Tortiv-Ato, has decried the recent suspension of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, stating that the move has exacerbated insecurity and emboldened armed herders responsible for deadly attacks across the state.
Tortiv-Ato made the remarks while addressing journalists in Makurdi on Sunday, expressing concern over the rising number of attacks on farming communities since the suspension took effect.
Statement from the Aspirant
“The suspension of the anti-open grazing law has sent the wrong signal to violent herders. Our people are once again under siege. The law was enacted to protect lives and ensure peaceful coexistence,” he said.He warned that unless the law is reinstated and enforced, Benue’s fragile security situation will continue to deteriorate, affecting agriculture, displacement levels, and rural development.
Background
The Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, first passed in 2017 under former Governor Samuel Ortom, was widely seen as a landmark legal effort to curb farmer-herder clashes. However, recent decisions by the state government to suspend or review the law have sparked criticism from political stakeholders, civil society groups, and affected communities. Ongoing Attacks Several local governments, including Guma, Logo, and Agatu, have reported renewed herder-related violence, with dozens killed and thousands displaced in the past month alone. Security experts warn that lifting grazing restrictions without viable alternatives could undermine peace efforts and embolden non-state armed groups operating under the guise of pastoralism.
What to Watch
– Increasing political pressure for the reinstatement of the grazing law.
– Federal government response to renewed violence in Benue. – Humanitarian concerns as displacement figures continue to rise.
Citations:
(Source: [Punch](https://punchng.com), [Vanguard Nigeria](https://www.vanguardngr.com))(Source: [Premium Times](https://www.premiumtimesng.com)) (Source: [TheCable](https://www.thecable.ng))
