Farmers in Benue State have appealed to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to urgently enforce the Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Law, following fresh killings and destruction of farmlands by suspected Fulani herders.

 

The appeal, also directed to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Berger Alfred Emberga, and ALGON Chairman, Vitalis Terhile Neji, comes after renewed violence in Gwer West Local Government Area.

 

Reports indicate that two farmers from Goh community in Saeghev ward were killed on Wednesday while working on their farms, barely 24 hours after the Council Chairman, Hon. Ormin Torsar Victor, visited the area to assess damages caused by grazing activities.

 

Residents alleged that despite the existing ban on open grazing, herders still roam freely across farmlands, often armed with AK-47 rifles, and attack farmers who resist.

 

“They are destroying farmlands in broad daylight without any challenge. Farmers are losing hope, and if this continues, we may have no option but to stop farming altogether,” a community source lamented.

 

The farmers insist that full enforcement of the anti-open grazing law remains the only way to restore security, protect lives, and preserve agriculture in Benue, a state long regarded as Nigeria’s “food basket.”