HERDSMEN: Unsure of FG, Gov Ortom may seek ICC protection as Benue grazing law kicks off Nov 1

As the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition Law takes effect from November 1 (today), Governor Samuel Ortom, has vowed to go as far as the International Criminal Court (ICC) to seek protection for residents in the state from herdsmen attacks.

The governor, apparently not sure of Federal Government’s protection stated this when he addressed both Benue indigenes and non-indigenes resident in the state, who in their thousands undertook a solidarity/sensitisation walk to mark the end of open grazing in the state.

The group under the aegis of Street Movement Against Ravages in Benue, were assured by the governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Benson Abounu, that he was never going to renege on his determination to go as far as approaching the ICC, at The Hague, in order to protect the lives and properties of the people.

“As a law-abiding government that believes in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we will not shy away from our responsibilities to protect the lives of all the inhabitants of Benue State against any forceful perpetration of criminal injustices.

“That is why this law came into being, and from November 1 (today), the law will come into full force because for close to five years herdsmen killed thousands of Benue people and it was almost becoming a pogrom.

“If it means going to the International Criminal Court at The Hague, talking to people, sensitising, singing and shouting, this government will go the whole hog to protect the lives and properties of our people,” he said.

In his speech during the event, Mr. Daniel Nyikagh, who spoke for Benue Youths Forum, assured the governor of their support.

He said, “The law is the panacea to the pogrom we witnessed in our state; it is not intended to chase anyone away, but to ensure peaceful coexistence.

A Reverend Father, Solomon Mffa, spokesperson for displaced persons said, “President Muhammadu Buhari must speak out against the activities of herdsmen in the country, because the killing of innocent persons is worst than corruption.”

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Also speaking during the occasion, the leaders of Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa communities, pledged their support for Ortom, the law and its full implementation.

Various inscription on the placards by many of the participants read, “No more wild grazing in Benue,’ ‘Benue people stand with Governor Samuel Ortom,’ ‘Herdsmen respect our laws,’ ‘We are tired of burying our people.”

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