A prominent socio-cultural group, Ochetoha K’Idoma, has attributed the continued killings in Benue State to the relaxation of the state’s anti-open grazing law.

 

The group’s President, Magaji Mike Alidu, in an  interview on Friday, emphasized that the recent massacre of over 200 people in the state was not triggered by the ultimatum given to Fulani herders by the state’s two paramount traditional rulers.

 

According to Alidu, the herders’ violent resistance stems from the collective resolve of Benue citizens, including youths and traditional leaders, demanding that herders vacate farmlands ahead of the new planting season.

 

“The recent massacre of over 200 people was not because of the ultimatum. Before, during, and after it, the attacks have continued. This is deeper,” he said.

 

He argued that the root cause of the ongoing violence is the weakening implementation of the anti-open grazing law, which was initially introduced to curb clashes between herders and farmers.

 

“If the law were still being fully enforced, these killings wouldn’t be happening,” Alidu said. “The herders are resisting now because Benue people have united, youths, elders, traditional leaders, all demanding they leave so that farming can resume peacefully.”

 

Ochetoha K’Idoma has called on the state government to urgently reinforce the anti-open grazing legislation to protect lives and ensure farmers can return safely to their lands.