Ortom Warns Cattle Owners Against Penalties of Open Grazing …As Livestock Guards Impound Cows in Makurdi

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has told cattle owners in the 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 gave the warning yesterday when he sighted a herd of cattle roaming the streets at Iniongun road, Wadata area of Makurdi as he inspected areas ravage by flood.

He 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.

Governor Ortom said the law does not accord preferences to any individual or group, whether or not they are Benue indigenes.

He stated 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 called on Benue people to volunteer information regarding open grazing of animals to Livestock Guards, saying officers and men of the agency would not be everywhere.

The governor also lamented over the failure of previous administration to dredge the River Benue which he revealed is the main cause of the flooding in the State.

He maintained that the dredging of the River remains the only permanent solution to halt the incessant flooding experienced in the State.

Ortom also decried the release of water from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon, noting that this is responsible for the flood that has displaced thousands of people as well as caused a humanitarian problem.

"As you can see, many people have been displaced with nowhere to go. Many houses and property have been destroyed.  We have no option than to open camps to house the displaced persons," he said.