The House of Representatives on Wednesday, expressed deep displeasure over the Federal government’s decision, calling on states to suspend the enforcement of their anti-open grazing laws.
Consequently, the House, which summoned Mansur Dan-Ali, Minister of Defence, to appear before it over the announcement by him, in a resolution asked that the National Security Council rescinds its decision.
This resolution followed a motion on urgent public importance brought by John Dyegh representing Gboko/ Tarka Federal Constituency of Benue State.
Dyegh, whose state is worst hit by the herdsmen attacks and currently implementing the law, had complained against the decision conveyed by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali where he said that the Fulani Herdsmen crises in Nigeria predated the present administration, and urged states which have implemented the Anti Open Grazing Law to suspend it.
The lawmaker noted that for the past seven years, the clashes between Fulani herdsmen and Farmers have been on the increase with so many lives lost with several villages overtaken by herdsmen.
He further noted that in Agatu area of Benue state, for instance, over eight hundred people were killed and over twenty villages were razed down.
Dyegh disclosed that it was as a result of these attacks that the affected states debated extensively before coming up with the law banning open Grazing.
The legislator maintained that the constitution of Nigeria empowerered states assemblies to make laws for the good governance of their respective states, and expressed worry on the decision of the minister of defence.
He cited instances where some States made laws against trading in alcohol and prostitution and are obeyed and wondered why he was particular about Anti Open Grazing.
