BENUE ASSEMBLY TO PRIORITSE LEGISLATION AGAINST FREE MOVEMENT OF CATTLE

April 13, 2016 News 39 Views

Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange has assured that the Assembly will
accord any bill intended to confine Cattle  to Ranches maximum attention for quick passage.
Rt. Hon. Ikyange explained that by so doing the persistent clashes between Herdsmen and Benue farmers which has affected many communities in the state will be reduced.
He however said that no part of the state will be given out for Grazing Reserve or Routes for whatever reason,  adding that as representatives of the people, the Assembly will only support the passage of any bill that will establish Ranches.
The Speaker who stated this while addressing members of the Movement Against Fulani Occupation, MAFO during a peaceful protest to the House, explained that if the Assembly was aware of their visit, all the members would have been on hand to receive them as a mark of solidarity with it.
Accompanied by the members for Tarka, Mr. Bem Mngutyo,  Gwer, Mr. Stephen Tyochir and that of Kwande East, Mr. James Gbande,  Mr. Ikyange who was represented by the member for Makurdi North, Mr. Avine Agbom condemned the wanton destruction of lives and properties by the Herdsmen and promised that the Assembly will give the bill presented to him the necessary attention and thanked members of the Movement for embarking on a peaceful demonstration.
In their separate comments, Mr. Bem Mngutyo,  Mr. Stephen Tyochir and Mr . James Gbande noted that the Assembly was disturbed over the increasing spate of attacks on Benue communities and thanked them for presenting a bill that will restrict the movement of Fulani Herdsmen and their cattle across the State.
While presenting the bill, , leader of the Movement, Rev. Fr. Solomon Ukeyima lamented the hardship caused Benue farmers as a result of Fulani invasion and appealed to the lawmakers to give the bill prompt consideration