Taraba succumbs to herdsmen’s demand, suspends anti-open grazing law

The government of Taraba State has accepted to temporarily suspend the anti-open grazing law of the state in order to put an end to herdsmen killings in the state.

The development was sequel to the three days interactive sessions between the National Economic Council Technical sub Committee on ending herders/farmers crisis, and key stakeholders in the state.

However, the leader of the sub-committee and Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, who made this known to newsmen at the end of the three-day interactive session, in Jalingo, applauded Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku for allow for the review of the law after it has been duly passed by the state Assembly.

Umahi said, “It is our finding that the Miyetti Allah refused to appear at the public hearings organized by the state while this Bill was under consideration and so could not lay their complaints on areas that affected them negatively.

“After much deliberation, we have agreed that certain of the law should be revisited to reflect the complaints that arise from this interaction. That means despite the grace period given earlier, more grace period would still be granted during which these issues would be looked into and the pioneer ranches would be set up.

“I think it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the leadership model displayed by the committee who listened dispassionately to the issues raised by all the parties and has agreed to give room for the complaints made by some stakeholders to be factored into the law. I am sure this would mark the end of herders farmers crisis in the state.”

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According to Umahi, both the farmers and herders had accepted to sheathe their swords.

Taraba State had on July 24, 2017 signed into law its anti open grazing bill. The bill however came into partial effect on January 24, 2018 after a six months grace period declared by the governor.

Herdsmen represented by the Miyetti Allah had called for its abolishment, as a precursor to curb the persistent clashes between them and farmers in the state.

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