The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his decision to uphold and enforce the ban on open grazing of livestock in the state.

The Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law, which was enacted in 2017 and signed into law by the former governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, was designed to curb the influx of herdsmen into the state effectively. During his election campaign, Governor Alia had hinted at the possibility of reviewing the law upon assuming office, raising concerns that his administration might abandon the measure.
However, Governor Alia’s administration has decided to embrace the law as a key strategy to address the security crisis plaguing the state. In response, the PDP issued a statement on Saturday through its Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, expressing its appreciation for Governor Alia’s firm stance on the matter.
The party further urged the governor to create a conducive environment for herders willing to adopt ranching while advocating for the expulsion of those who refuse to comply from the state. According to the statement, “We welcome the governor’s position and encourage him to support his new stance with concrete action by facilitating the prompt transition of willing herdsmen to ranching. Those who are unwilling to do so should be compelled to leave the state.”