Governor Samuel Ortom has disclosed that at least 500 herders and 12,000 cattle have been arrested at various locations for violating the Benue State grazing law since its enactment in May 2017.
Ortom also said many of the offenders have been prosecuted and convicted while others are in various stages of prosecution.
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The governor added that portions of the state’s anti-open grazing law would soon be amended to reflect stiffer punishment so as to deter those who take delight in breaking the law.
He said the review would ensure that the stipulated fees for offenders are increased in order to dissuade abusers from trespassing with their animals.
While addressing the Christian community at a reception held in IBB Square in Makurdi on Tuesday for the Tor Tiv, Prof James Ayatse to thank God for his elevation as president of Association of Christian Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, the governor stressed that anyone could live and do business in the state as long as they complied with the law.
“But we will make life unbearable for anyone bent on violating the law so that peace can reign. We remain committed to the rule of law,” Ortom said.
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