…calls for strict enforcement of state’s grazing law

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The lawmaker representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Dr. Asema Achado has expressed deep concern over the ceaseless attacks and killings by suspected armed  herdsmen in Gwer West Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State.

The lawmaker’s outcry came as no fewer than five persons were again gruesomely murdered by the marauders, weekend, at Tse Tsu Bridge on Makurdi-Naka-Federal highway.

An eyewitness who narrowly escaped the attack disclosed that the armed men came out of a nearby bush and opened fire on road users most of who were on motorcycles.

He said, “the attack happened at about 5pm on Friday. Five persons were killed and some others who sustained injuries were moved to hospitals in Naka town which is less than 25 minutes drive from the scene of attack. Regrettably these attacks have become recurrent.”

Lamenting the unending attacks and killings in his constituency, Dr. Achado in a statement by his Personnal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Manasseh Mendah urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to speak out against the attacks and take decisive action to put an end to it.

The lawmaker who pointed out that incidents had left many innocent people in the area in fear and despair emphasized the necessity for immediate, life-saving measures to combat insecurity and protect the lives of the people of the State.

He raised concern over what he termed the dormancy of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law stressing the vital roles effective legislations play in ensuring peace, security and the safeguard of the people
as well as maintaining law and order in the communities.

Dr. Achado reiterated his call for the enforcement of the Benue grazing Law, “which was designed to provide a sustainable solution to the ongoing hardships faced by Benue farmers due to the activities of marauding herders.”

He noted that “the persistent attacks have not only resulted in physical harm but have also inflicted emotional and psychological scars on the affected communities, disrupting lives and livelihoods.”

The Gwer East/Gwer West representative pointed out that it was in the bid to guarantee the safety of their people that he and other members of the Benue State Caucus at the National Assembly “sponsored bills and raised several motions on the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives which have resulted in increased action and financial support from the President Bola Tinubu administration to Benue State, to enable the state combat insecurity.

“Hence the relentless violence must end. Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, yet they live in constant fear.”

Dr. Achado called for the establishment of a comprehensive security strategy that includes community engagement and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, believing that by fostering partnerships between the government and local communities, they could develop tailored approaches to tackle insecurity effectively.

While offering his prayers and condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones to the mindless attacks, the lawmaker encouraged the Tyoshin community and others affected to remain peaceful and resilient in the amidst their challenges saying “it is in our unity and strength that we will find hope and a path forward.”