The operations of livestock guards and the state paramilitary organization tasked with implementing the state’s anti-open grazing laws have been temporarily suspended for a period of two weeks by Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom.
The governor stated that the action was taken to permit all herdsmen with animals in the state to depart.
Daily Post reported that the announcement was made by the governor on Tuesday, immediately after the security council met in response to the most recent senseless tragedy in the state.
Following unprovoked attacks by the savage herdsmen militia, at least 130 people have died in the past few days.
During the security meeting, the governor spoke to the media and said that the suspension was meant to provide a happy ending for all the herders who claimed to have entered the state unaware of the Open Grazing Ban and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017.
The state’s security agencies have received orders from President Muhammadu Buhari to track down those responsible for the widespread mass murders, Governor Ortom further disclosed.
He urged the security services to take swift action so that the attack victims might receive some recompense