Tension In Benue As Gov Orders Total Crackdown On Herdsmen After Ultimatum

Governor Hyacinth Ali of Benue State has emphasized that the 14-day ultimatum issued to herdsmen engaged in open grazing has expired.

He has declared that it is now time for the complete enforcement of the anti-open grazing law by security agencies across the state to crackdown on herdsmen that would go against the law. The governor made this declaration on Wednesday during a press briefing held at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House in Makurdi.

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, Governor Ali revealed that the State Security Council arrived at this decision due to the significant influx of herders into the state. He mentioned that throughout the 14-day ultimatum, the security council closely monitored the activities of armed herdsmen and reviewed the report submitted by a 7-man committee led by the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke in the state.

Deputy Governor Ode expressed satisfaction with the committee’s report, emphasizing that the law targets no specific group but applies to all violators equally. He cautioned that anyone found contravening the law, regardless of identity, would face prosecution. Ode noted a peaceful withdrawal of most herders from the state over the past two weeks.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Justice and Public Order, Barrister Fidelis Mnyim, reiterated that cattle rearers must ranch their livestock in compliance with the anti-open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law of 2017. He warned that those caught engaging in open grazing would face legal consequences.

Additionally, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the Force Commander of Operation Whirlstroke (OPWS), disclosed the formation of a 7-man committee by the Benue State Security Council to develop strategies for implementing the ultimatum for the withdrawal of armed herdsmen. He described this as a non-kinetic approach to resolving conflicts.

General Igbinomwanhia expressed satisfaction with the compliance observed in the withdrawal of most herders and assured that Operation Whirlstroke and all security agencies in the state would fully enforce the government’s directive.

He further addressed recent events in Kwande local government, where clearance operations were conducted against specific criminals, and clarified that the Ukum local government crisis stemmed from a clash between militia groups, not an attack on communities.