Benue indigenes under the umbrella of the Movement Against Fulani Occupation (MAFO), today took to the streets in protest of the incessant killings in communities across the state orchestrated by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
About 500 of them converged around Wurukum market in the state capital, Makurdi and marched through the entire town making stops at strategic points to vent their displeasure to the public over the senseless carnage.
Protesters then proceeded to the State House of Assembly to submit a people-sponsored bill banning the free grazing of cattle and other livestock within the state. They were however, told that the Speaker, Hon. Terkimbi Ikange and Deputy, Hon. Ejembi Okefe were not on seat. According to sources, the duo had left the complex on hearing that protesters were headed their direction.
After much insistence, which included a threat to occupy the floor of the assembly, some legislators showed up to address protester and receive the anti-grazing bill.
Speaking, Reverend Solomon Ukeyima said the bill had become necessary considering the increasing scale of Fulani herdsmen in the state.
He added that in the last three years, over 1000 people had lost their lives to attacks by Fulani herdsmen and urged lawmakers to work assiduously to ensure passage of the bill into law.
Responding, member representing Makurdi North Constituency, Hon Avine Agbom thanked protesters for their orderly conduct and their doggedness in pursuit for Justice.
He said he and some of his colleagues had been victims of Fulani invasion and supported the call for herdsmen to vacate farmlands with immediate effect.
Hon Agbom said the state government felt the plight of the people and promised that the bill will be considered and given a speedy passage.
At the Government House, the Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu who represented the Governor who is away on a business trip to China, expressed the government’s commitment in ending the destruction of lives and property by Fulani herdsmen.
He said the Governor, even though he did not have the authority to deploy soldiers, had ensured the deployment of same through the presidency to protect violence-prone areas in the state.
Engr Abounu agreed that every Nigerian had the right to reside anywhere within the country but that the right did not permit the invasion, killing and occupation of communities as done by Fulani herdsmen.
He however urged the public to continue to be law-abiding as the government was working in their interest to ensure a permanent end to the ugly situation.
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