Benue Farmers Urge Governor Alia to Enforce Anti-Open Grazing Law Amid Renewed Killings

Farmers in Benue State have raised urgent concerns, appealing to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to take immediate action by fully implementing the Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law. Their plea comes in response to fresh cases of killings and widespread destruction of cultivated farmlands, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herders.

The farmers’ appeal was also directed at the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Berger Alfred Emberga, and the ALGON Chairman, Vitalis Terhile Neji, urging them to work hand-in-hand with the governor to ensure the law is enforced without delay.

This renewed call for action follows disturbing incidents of violence in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA), where lives and farmland continue to be threatened.

According to reports gathered by LMSINT MEDIA, tragedy struck on Wednesday when two hardworking farmers from Goh community in Saeghev ward were brutally murdered while tending to their farms.

Shockingly, the killings occurred less than 24 hours after the Council Chairman, Hon. Ormin Torsar Victor, had visited the same area to inspect the devastating damages inflicted on farmlands by unrestrained cattle grazing activities.

Farmers Losing Hope Amid Growing Insecurity

Residents of the affected communities expressed deep frustration, lamenting that despite the existence of the anti-open grazing law, herders still move freely across farmlands, allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles. Farmers who attempt to resist or defend their crops are reportedly subjected to violent attacks.

One distressed source told journalists:

“Herders are destroying farmlands openly in broad daylight without any resistance from authorities. Many farmers are already losing hope, and if this ugly trend continues unchecked, the only option left may be to abandon farming entirely.”

The situation in Benue State highlights the broader challenge of insecurity and food production threats in Nigeria. Enforcing the anti-open grazing law, stakeholders argue, is no longer just a policy matter but a necessity for safeguarding farmers’ lives, livelihoods, and the state’s food security.