Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has attributed the poor enforcement of the state’s anti-open grazing law to the superior firepower of armed herder militias compared to the State Protection Guards.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the governor said that while Benue’s local security personnel are restricted to using Dane guns, herdsmen militias roam freely with assault rifles such as AK-47 and AK-49.
Tersoo, in a statement released on Sunday, said, “The governor has been very open about the problem of implementing the anti-open grazing law, because the enforcers, the state Civil Protection Guards, are not permitted to bear arms except licensed guns.
“But the unfortunate development is that these herdsmen are being protected by their militias who carry AK-47 and AK-49, even while grazing their cattle.”
Tersoo questioned the effectiveness of local security outfits that lack the firepower to confront violent offenders.
“You can try and find out the number of mobile police that have been killed by these herders’ militias, even though they are well trained to confront enemies. So, if MOPOL could not arrest these armed herders, is it the State Protection Guards who don’t have access to sophisticated weapons that will do?” he queried.
Governor Alia said the law would remain difficult to enforce unless it is domesticated nationally and implemented by federally armed security agencies.
“Imagine the situation when the State Protection Guards tried to enforce the anti-open grazing law and the lawbreakers ran to neighbouring Nasarawa State, where the law does not exist. What do you expect to happen?” he asked.
The governor’s comments followed a statement by the Benue Advocacy Network, which demanded answers over the deteriorating security situation in the state.
In a statement signed by its President, Enoch Ortese, the group questioned the governor over the surge in attacks on rural communities by armed herders, despite the anti-open grazing legislation enacted in 2017.
The group further demanded accountability over unfulfilled campaign promises, particularly Alia’s pledge to return internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes within his first 100 days in office.
“Instead of fulfilling his promise, the governor has constructed additional camps and tents for the displaced people. We demand an explanation for this approach and a clear plan for the safe and sustainable return of the IDPs,” the statement read.
In a strong call for transparency, the Benue Advocacy Network challenged the administration to publish details of its financial receipts, expenditures, contract awards, and reasons local governments remain without autonomy.
They also criticised what they described as a lack of visible development projects despite substantial monthly security votes.
In defence, Governor Alia said the administration had prioritised workers’ welfare, noting that it had cleared six out of seven months’ salary arrears inherited from the previous administration.