Anti Open Grazing Law: Ortom arrests 150 cows In Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Thursday, personally arrested 150 cows found to be grazing openly along Community Secondary School Wadata Makurdi, the state capital.

The governor was returning back to government house upon inspection of Iniongun community that was ravaged by flood when his convoy ran into the cows and decided to park.

The governor held the cows hostage for 45 minutes before the arrival of the Commander of Livestock Guard, Linus Zaki.

Upon his(commander) arrival, the governor directed him to arrest all the cows and to take them to the quarantine unit.

Speaking on the development, Ortom warned cattle owners in the State to properly ranched their animals to avoid violation of the anti-open grazing law.

"I have personally apprehended these cows. I waited for the commander of Livestock Guards to arrive and I have directed him to immediately impound the animals and take them to the Quarantine Unit.

"By provisions of the ranching law, the cattle would be auctioned if the owner fails to pay the requisite fines after seven days as stipulated by the law", Ortom said

He explained that the law does not accord preferences to any individual or group, whether or not they are Benue indigenes and called on individuals to assist the guards by providing them with useful information that could lead to effective implementation of the law.

"People should endeavour to volunteer information regarding open grazing of animals to Livestock Guards, saying officers and men of the agency would not be everywhere", he said.

According to him, herders who refuse to keep their livestock in ranches would be prosecuted in accordance with provisions of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017.