The Chief of Army Staff says the Nigerian Army will soon commence military operation in Benue state following reports that some militant herdsmen were mobilizing to attack communities after the state recently passed the anti-open grazing bill into law. The President General of Mdzough Tiv, Chief Edward Ujege stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the end of advocacy visits across the country.
He stated that concerned groups in the state had written to various security agencies including Police, the DSS, Navy, NSCDC and the Army among others.
Ujege further disclosed that three socio-cultural groups in the state informed the agencies of plans by suspected militant herdsmen to invade the state with their cows in defiance to the new law. He explained that it was in response to this information that the Army is planning security operation in the state to ensure compliance with the law.
The groups also called on the Nasarawa state government not to allow herdsmen to use the state as a launching pad to attack Benue.
In addition, the proactive action taken by our socio-cultural organizations has made Nasarawa State Government to take precautionary measures to hinder the herdsmen/militia from using the state as launching pad to invade Benue State.
The delegation, through its advocacy, has been able to obtain a pledge from the Chief of Army Staff that troops will be on standby to assist the Police in case of an invasion. The responses to our advocacy have been very encouraging with about seven states now contemplating the passage and domestication of similar law in their states.
“We, therefore, commend Governor Samuel Ortom for setting a revolution that will change livestock breeding and animal husbandry in the country. We appeal to all Benue indigenes to rally round the governor and give him all the support he requires to make this mission and all his other programmes successful.”
