MAKURDI: Member, House of Representatives (HoR) representing Gwer-East/Gwer-West Federal constituency of Benue State, Arc. Asema Achado, has urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to enforce the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law (Anti-Open Grazing Law), as a panacea to check the incessant killings in the constituency and the state at large.
Lamenting what he described as the relentless attacks plaguing Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, which he attributed to activities of suspected Fulani militia, Achado stressed the need for the state government to take life-saving measures to protect the lives of the people of the state.
In a statement signed by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mendah Manasseh, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Sunday, while urging Governor Alia, to explain to the people of the state the reason for not enforcing the law, Achado observed that the silence from the governor in the face of the gruesome killings have left many innocent people in the area in fear and despair.
Therefore, he pointed out the necessity for the immediate implementation of life-saving measures to combat the increased insecurity, so as to protect the lives of the people of Benue state, alleging that to remain silent in the face of these attacks may be interpreted as being complicit in the matter.
Proffering solutions to the matter, Achado called for the establishment of a comprehensive security strategy that would include community engagement and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, with the belief that by fostering partnerships between government and the locals, they can develop tailored approaches to tackle insecurity effectively.
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According to the statement, “Hon Achado pointedly urges Governor Alia to explain to the people of Benue the apparent dormancy of the Benue State Anti-Open Grazing Law since the Governor’s assumption of office in May 2023. Hon. Achado stresses that the fundamental duty of government is to safeguard its people and maintain law and order, highlighting the vital role that effective legislation plays in this endeavour.
“It is in the bid to guarantee the safety of their people that he (Achado) and other members of the Benue State Caucus at the National Assembly have sponsored bills and raised several motions on the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives which have resulted in increased action and financial support from the President Bola Tinubu administration to Benue state, to enable the state combat insecurity.
“Arc. Achado reiterates his call for the enforcement of the Benue State Anti-Open Grazing Law, which was designed to provide a sustainable solution to the ongoing hardships faced by Benue farmers due to the activities of marauding herders. He notes that the persistent attacks have not only resulted in physical harm but have also inflicted emotional and psychological scars on the affected communities, disrupting lives and livelihoods”, Achado stated.
Furthermore, “He calls upon the Benue State Government to take decisive action to halt these unwarranted attacks, reminding Governor Alia that silence in the face of such adversity may be interpreted as complicity.
“Hon. Achado offers his prayers and condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones to the mindless attacks by armed herders. He encourages the Tyoshin community and others affected to remain peaceful and resilient, even amidst their challenges.
“The relentless violence must end. Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, yet they live in constant fear. It is in our unity and strength that we will find hope and a path forward”, Achado stressed.
