Senator Titus Tartengar Zam, representing Benue North West Senatorial District, has blamed the escalating attacks on Benue communities by suspected bandits disguised as herders on the failure of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration to enforce the state’s Open-Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
In a strongly worded statement, Senator Zam expressed concern over the increasing violence, stating that the failure to implement the anti-open grazing law had emboldened criminal elements to invade local communities with impunity.
He noted that under previous administrations, strict enforcement of the law helped to curb such attacks, but the current government’s laxity has led to a resurgence of deadly incursions.
“The Open-Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law was enacted to protect our people from incessant attacks and conflicts.
Unfortunately, the present administration’s failure to enforce it has given room for these criminals, who masquerade as herders, to freely unleash terror on innocent citizens,” Zam said.
He further lamented the growing insecurity in the state, citing recent violent incidents in several local government areas where lives and properties were lost.
According to him, rural communities are now living in fear as armed attackers continue to ravage farmlands, displacing thousands and worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The senator called on Governor Alia to take decisive action by reinstating the full enforcement of the anti-open grazing law.
He urged the government to prioritize the security of Benue citizens by working closely with security agencies to halt the ongoing attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.
As tensions rise over the worsening security situation, many Benue residents are calling for urgent government intervention to prevent further bloodshed and protect livelihoods across the state.