Open grazing: Gov. Ortom reads riot act to cattle owners

By From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has warned sternly that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017 does not accord preferences to any individual or group, whether or not they are Benue indigenes.
He therefore cautioned cattle owners in Benue State to ensure that their animals are properly ranched to avoid open grazing or be ready to face sanctions as stipulated by law.
The Governor who gave the warning yesterday when he sighted a herd of cattle roaming the streets at Iniongun road, Wadata area of Makurdi, said that herders who refuse to keep their livestock in ranches would be prosecuted in accordance with provisions of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017.
Ortom directed Livestock Guards to immediately impound the animals and take them to the Quarantine Unit, stressing that by provisions of the ranching law, the cattle would be auctioned if the owner fails to pay the requisite fines after seven days
He also, called on Benue people to volunteer information regarding open grazing of animals to Livestock Guards, saying officers and men of the agency cannot not be everywhere.