The senator representing Benue North West senatorial district, Titus Tartengar Zam, has attributed the lack of enforcement of the Open-Grazing Law Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration to the brazen attacks by bandits disguising as herders on Benue communities.
Rising on Order 51 of Senate Rules, the lawmaker lamented the attack on Gyaruwa community in Gwer Local Government Council of Benue State by bandits, which led to the killing of scores of victims.
Irked by the attack, Senator Zam stated that irate youths resorted to wanton destruction of property, including his residence, the palaces of monarchs, and the houses of other prominent individuals, alleging that political leaders in the state had failed them.
The lawmaker said: “However, the inability of the present administration in Benue State to enforce the law has exposed members of the National Assembly from Benue State to undue pressure and name-calling by our constituents. This situation has emboldened the bandits and further worsened the security situation in Benue State and beyond.
“The Senate is aware that the peace-loving people of Gyaruwa community in the aforementioned Local Government Area of Benue State were invaded by bandits masquerading as herders on Monday, 10th March 2025, resulting in the killing of four persons.
“It is also aware that yesterday, irate youths took to the streets in protest against the continued killings of the people and the government’s seeming inability to protect them.
“The Senate may further note that, in anger and frustration, the youths burned down the Gwer Local Government Secretariat, the palace of the paramount ruler of the Local Government Area, my private residence, and the houses of other prominent sons of the Local Government Area, accusing us of failing to safeguard the community.
“Aware that I have on several occasions moved motions and presented views on this subject, including being accused of advocating open-grazing prohibition and running this establishment, which is awaiting public hearing. The Senate is also aware that the Benue State House of Assembly has enacted an open-grazing prohibition law, which still subsists.”
He called for intervention by the Federal Government to prevent further carnage, as tension continues to grip the community.
His counterpart representing the Benue South senatorial district and the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, corroborated his position, stating that the Open-Grazing Law enacted by the Benue State House of Assembly has not been implemented.
Following contributions by the lawmakers, Senator Victor Umeh, in his prayers, suggested the establishment of a military outpost to curb incessant attacks on the community, noting that some communities in Benue State have been under siege by bandits for the past eleven years.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio affirmed the prayers and urged the Federal Government to swiftly establish a military outpost.