Former Governor Samuel Ortom
By Matthews Otalike
In 2017, former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, took a bold step to address the persistent clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen by signing the Anti-Open Grazing Law.
The law, which prohibited open grazing and mandated ranching, was a direct response to the destruction of farmlands, killings, and mass displacements that had plagued Benue for years. While not perfect, it was a necessary measure to protect the agrarian population and restore order in a state that prides itself as the food basket of the nation.
However, in a shocking reversal, Governor Hyacinth Alia, recently repealed the law, claiming it was “unimplementable” and divisive. Since then, armed herdsmen have intensified attacks on farming communities, killing villagers, seizing farmlands, and forcing survivors into displacement camps.
The question is: Why did Governor Alia repeal a law designed to protect his people, and what can he do now to prevent further bloodshed?
Governor Hyacinth Alia
Why Did Governor Alia Repeal the Law?
Governor Alia’s justification for repealing the law, that it was ineffective and fueled ethnic tensions, raises serious concerns.
Critics argue that the repeal was less about practicality and more about political appeasement. The Searchlight believes that the possible motives for repealing the law may include:
1. Federal Pressure: The federal government, dominated by the APC, has historically opposed anti-open grazing laws, favoring instead a controversial “cattle colony” policy. Alia, also of the APC, may have succumbed to pressure from Abuja to align with the party’s stance.
2. Economic Interests: Some speculate that powerful pastoralist lobbies and business interests influenced the decision, prioritizing cattle routes over human lives.
3. Undermining Predecessor: Samuel Ortom, a vocal critic of the Buhari and Tinubu administrations, was often at odds with the federal government. So Alia’s repeal of the law could be seen as an attempt to erase his predecessor’s legacy, regardless of the consequences.
Whatever the reason, the repeal of the anti-open grazing law has had deadly consequences. Without legal restrictions, armed herdsmen now operate with impunity, knowing there will be no consequences for destroying farms or attacking villagers.
Recent Attacks Since the Repeal: A Trail of Blood
– June 10, 2024: Armed herders invaded Guma LGA, killing 15 farmers and displacing hundreds. Survivors reported that the attackers bragged about the repeal, saying, “Now, nobody can stop us.”
– June 25, 2024: In Agatu, at least 23 villagers were massacred, including women and children. The attackers occupied farmlands, planting their crops on stolen land.
– July 3, 2024, Ukum LGA witnessed another massacre, with 12 deaths and entire villages deserted. The few remaining residents now live in fear, saying security forces did nothing to stop the killers.
These are not isolated incidents—they are a direct consequence of Governor Alia’s reckless repeal. Without legal deterrence, herdsmen now operate with impunity, knowing no law will hold them accountable.
What Should Governor Alia Do Now?
If Governor Alia genuinely cares about Benue’s safety, he must take urgent action to prevent further massacres by immediately reinstating and strengthening the Anti-Open Grazing Law If the original law had flaws and also amend it, not scrap it entirely. Proper enforcement mechanisms such as community policing and support for ranching should be prioritized. ue’s Survival Hangs in the Balance
Governor Alia’s repeal has unleashed a new wave of terror. If he does not act now, history will remember him as the man who signed Benue’s death warrant. The bloodshed must stop by reinstating the anti-open grazing law, protect the people, or resign.
Matthews Otalike is a seasoned Broadcaster and Publisher of The Searchlight Online.
Share your thoughts on the story Governor Alia’s Repeal Of Anti-Open Grazing Law: A License To Kill Benue Farmers? with Nigerian Kicker in the comments section.
