Farmers in Benue State have called on Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to urgently implement and enforce the Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Law following renewed attacks and destruction of farmlands by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The appeal, also directed at the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Berger Alfred Emberga, and ALGON Chairman, Vitalis Terhile Neji, comes in the wake of fresh violence reported in Gwer West Local Government Area.
According to reports, two farmers, identified as residents of Goh community in Saeghev council ward, were brutally killed on Wednesday while working on their farms. The attack occurred barely a day after the Council Chairman, Hon. Ormin Torsar Victor, visited the area to assess damages caused by open grazing.
Residents lamented that despite the existence of the Anti-Open Grazing Law, herdsmen continue to graze freely across farmlands, often carrying AK-47 rifles and allegedly attacking farmers who confront them.
“They are destroying farmlands in broad daylight without any challenge. Farmers are losing hope, and if this continues, we may have no option but to stop farming altogether,” one source said.
Community members expressed appreciation to the Gwer West Council Chairman for his efforts in responding to the crisis but stressed that urgent action from the state government was needed to protect lives, property, and food production in the Benue Valley.
