Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has urged communities residing along the border areas of the State to alert security agencies and government of any influx of cattle to enable them prevent a breach of the Open Grazing Prohibition Law by nomadic herders.
He made the call at Tse-kyogen in Guma Local Government Area of the State when his convoy sighted a herd of cattle in the area which is a violation of the law.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to ensure that open grazing of animals no longer has a place in the State.
The Governor said security has been reinforced, stressing that anyone who violates the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the State would be arrested for prosecution and his animals impounded.
He stated that prompt information to security operatives and livestock guards would enhance surveillance in areas where those who deliberately want to violate the law operate.
Governor Ortom emphasised that anyone who wishes to breed livestock in Benue State should do so according to the law.
It will be recalled that on Wednesday, Governor Ortom and other Governors of states in North-Central Nigeria met in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital at the instance of the Inspector-General of Police, to brainstorm on the need for intensive community policing.
The meeting also deliberated on curbing conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in parts of the region.
