DONALD KUMUN, Makurdi
The Benue State House of Assembly, has appealed to the Federal Government to create ranches for Fulani herdsmen in the state to nip the incessant crises between them and the farmers in the bud.
This appeal was made known sequel to a motion of urgent public importance moved by Mrs Ngunan Addingi of Buruku State constituency,decrying the massive attacks on farmers in her area by the marauders.
She lamented that on January 29,2016, Mbaatindi community was attacked by the herdsmen and killed one Mr Faeren Abari.
She said that scores of people were inflicted with various degrees of injuries, stating that some of them were receiving medical attention in Gboko Local Government Area of the state.
Mrs Adingi disclosed that the attack was unleashed on her constituents when they tried to prevent the herdsmen from grazing on their farms, adding that after the attack,the Fulani herdsmen besieged the farm lands of her constituents, leaving them with no option than to flee for their lives.
According to her, the herdsmen claimed that they had the permission of both the state government and the traditional rulers in the area to graze freely in the area without hindrance, adding that if the crisis was not tackled head on it could spread and more harm could be done.
The motion which was seconded by the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Benjamin Adanyi,(APC-Makurdi South),revealed that the spate of attacks on Benue farmers was worrisome.
Chief Adanyi noted that in developed countries where there are more cattles,they do not graze on farm lands because they are kept in ranches as such there are no crises between the people that rear them and the farmers.
On his part,the member representing Gboko-West constituency,Mr Terhemba Chabo,and that of Tiev State Constituency,Mr Terkaa Ucha,said as the cattles move about, they spread different kinds of diseases which are deadly to human existence.
Ruling, the Speaker, Mr Terkimbi Ikyange,stated that if the ranches are created,it will serve as a means of reducing unemployment for the youths since they will be selling grasses to the herdsmen.
He said that the incessant crises was a calculated attempt to impoverish Benue people and rob them of their God given goldmine, stressing that the plan would meet stiff resistance and as they would vehemently oppose the diabolic act.
He further urged the Commissioner of Police to station his officers and men in all the crisis ridden areas in the state and to also apprehend the culprits to serve as a deterrent to others.