David MarkThree socio-cultural groups in Benue State have implored their representatives in the National Assembly support the anti-open grazing law.
They urged senators George Akume, David Mark and Barnabas Gemade, and other members in the House of Representatives to ensure the enforcement of the law.
According to the groups, the Anti Open Grazing and Ranches establishment Law of 2017 was necessary to check the waves of killings by Fulani herdsmen.
They made the appeal yesterday in a statement by President General Mzough-U Tiv, Edward Ujege.
The other socio-cultural groups are Idoma National Forum and Omi Ny Igede
They also asked the leaders to work toward restoring peace in the state, which had been bugged by killings.
Ujege urged Akume to explain his role in an allegation that he was collaboration with the Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Al-Makura, to flood the state with cattle.
He said: “We, the Benue State Socio-cultural organisations: Mzough-U Tiv, Idoma National Forum and Omi Ny Igede, have taken exceptional objection to the news.
“We call on Akume to make a categorical statement on the allegation, and ensure that peace returns to Benue state.”
The groups equally condemned interference of the police in the affairs of Benue State House of Assembly.
They cautioned that the police don’t have any reason to stop duly elected lawmakers from performing their duties.
The stakeholders expressed concern that the police took undue interest in the state’s legislature, which it has not done in similar circumstances in other states.
They urged President Muhammadu Buhari and other well-meaning Nigerians, including the international community to intervene in the Benue saga.
The groups also asked the paramount rulers to convene an urgent summit to address the crisis, to avoid turning the state into a war zone.
