JUST IN: Benue bans Fulani herdsmen from open grazing of cattle, stipulates 5-year-jail term for offenders
- Legit.ng gathered that the Benue state House of Assembly has banned open rearing and grazing in the state
- Offenders upon conviction will be sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with a fine of 1 million
- Where damage is done to crops, the farm will be evaluated and the manager of the livestock be compelled to pay
The Benue state House of Assembly has passed the bill prohibiting open rearing and grazing into law.
This is in efforts to stop the conflicts between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in the state.
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The house received the report of its committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on the bill to prohibit open grazing in the state and the title of the bill was changed from Livestock Promotion, Development and Regulatory Agency establishment bill, to a bill to prohibiting open rearing and grazing of livestock.
The bill provided for the establishment of ranches and livestock administration, regulation and control.
According to the lawmakers, the bill will end the protracted war between Benue farmers and herdsmen.
“Nobody will be permitted to carry out open grazing outside the permitted ranches.
“Any person who contravenes this act shall be guilty and upon conviction be sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with a fine of 1 million.
“Where damage is done to crops, the farm will be evaluated and the manager of the livestock be compelled to pay.
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“Movement of livestock on foot within the state is hereby prohibited. Any person who contravenes this shall be sentenced to one year imprisonment or pay a fine of N500,00
“Any livestock owner or manager who carries firearms shall be treated under the penal code. All ranchers shall engage the services of security agencies.
“Any person who rustles cattle shall be sentenced to 5 years imprisonment or pay a fine of N100,000 per cow. Any livestock wandering shall be impounded by the department of livestock.
“Any livestock impounded and the owner not found shall be auctioned to the public and the proceeds be deposited into the state consolidated revenue account.
“They shall be established, a special open prohibition TAX FORCE that will enforce this laws as stipulated.”
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Source: Legit.ng
