Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has charged the state Livestock Guards to ensure that no herd of cattle seen openly grazing in any part of the state goes without being Arrested.
According to The Governor, gave the charge in Makurdi while inspecting impounded cows at the quarantine unit of the state Ministry of Agriculture, said enforcement of the ranching law would continue to enable those who wish to do livestock business comply with its provisions.
He stated that there had been influx of armed herdsmen with large herds of animals into the state, despite the high level of awareness creation on the existence of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
He insisted that there was no intention to repeal the ranching law, stressing that it ranching remains the global best practice of animals husbandry and urged all Nigerians to key into it with a view to ensuring peace between herdsmen and farmers.
State Commander Livestock Guards, Mr. Linus Zaki said their men had arrested three herdsmen during the recent operations.
Mr. Zaki added that 214 cattle have been impounded in Ukum LGA, 69 in Logo, 219 in Guma, 96 in Makurdi and 16 in Gwer West LGA.