GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State has debunked the report that a Fulani herdsman last week jumped into the river in Benue State.
According to the statement issued by Chief Press Secretary CPS, to the governor, Mr Terver Akase, he described the report as ‘height of falsehood.
The national coordinator of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Benue State, (MACBAN), Garus Gololo had disclosed our correspondent at the weekend that one Mohammed Abdulkadire, a Fulani herdsman had jumped into river Benue in Logo Local Government Area of the state over the loss of 200 out of his 500 cows.
While speaking with our correspondent, Gololo further said that herdsmen in the state had lost about 600 cows since the law took effect.
“The alarm is the height of falsehood and one in a series of organized blackmail and propaganda by those who are opposed to the ranching law of Benue State.”
“We have contacted the police and other security agencies but there is no confirmation that a Fulani cattle owner jumped into the river in Logo or any other part of Benue state.”
“Similarly, there is no confirmation by security agencies that 600 cows owned by Fulani’s are missing.”
Akase urged the public to disregard the report and advised newsmen to always carry out thorough investigation into sensitive matters of security before publishing their reports. This will reduce unnecessary tension in the society.
“The Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law were enacted to end the frequent invasion of Benue communities and killing of innocent people by herdsmen and the law has been accepted locally and internationally as the best route to peace and stability.
“Implementation of the law has so far proven that it is indeed the people’s legislation. We thank Benue people and other Nigerians for the support given the government of the state for the success of the law. The Samuel Ortom administration remains committed to the task of guaranteeing the security of lives and property,” he concluded.
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