By Moses Gbande
Participants at the security meeting between Benue and Nasrawa States have advanced request on need for copies of anti-open Grazing prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017 should be circulated to relevant authorities of Nasarawa state for guidance and strict adherence.
This request was contained in a communique jointly signed by His Excellency, Engr.Benson Abounu,FNSE Deputy Governor of Benue state, and His Excellency, Dr.Emmanuel A.Akabe, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa state after a joint security meeting held in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital.
They epressed concerned over the lingering crisis which has affected the economy of the two states, and stressed the need to step-up action to checkmate the movement of herders from trespassing and occupying farm lands and communities at the disputed border areas until the boundary lines are clearly demarcated.
” The communique reads in part; “Government of Benue state hould ensure that no livestock Guard cross-over into Nasarawa State.
“That farmers and herdsmen should refrain from taking laws into their hands.
“That both states should engage stakeholders to identify criminal elements in the affected communities for appropriately sanction.
“That the traditional Rulers of both states should engage in regular meetings.
“That both Government should make efforts to return the displaced persons who fled their ancestral homes”.
The communique explains that these steps are taken in furtherance to the determination of the Benue and Nasarawa States to ensure sustainable peace and harmonious co-existence as it were, especially at the border communities of the two states.
It adds that Governments of the states should liaise with the National Boundary Commission to expedite action towards concluding the demarcation exercise at the border communities
Those who attendanded the meeting, according to the communique were the executive chairmen of the border LGAs of Awe, Keana, Doma and Nasarawa on the side of Nasarawa state and Guma, Gwer West, Makurdi and Agatu LGAs on the side of Benue.
While the Tor Tiv was represented by O’Chi Agatu while the Emir of Lafia was represented by the Emir of Nasarawa, including all traditional Rulers of the above LGAs, as well as the Commissioners of Police of the two states and other security chiefs on both sides.
Others are President, Tiv Development Association, Nasarawa State and the Ter Tiv of Nasarawa State, President Alago Development Association, Chairman MACBAN, SSGs of the two states, Senior Special Assistants to the Governors of the two states on security, and other top government officials from both states, among others.
Nasarawa Reporters 