FG bans movement of herdsmen in Benue, Taraba state
The federal government has banned the movement of herdsmen in Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna and Plateau state.
The decision was reached at the National Economic Council (NEC) presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday, April 26, The Cable reports.
The NEC comprises state governors and relevant ministries of government and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
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Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state who disclosed this to journalist at the end of the meeting held at the presidential villa in Abuja said the council also approved the creation of ranches across the country.
He said the five mainly affected states which have witnessed killings from the herdsmen/farmers clashes, are expected to make land available for ranches.
Umahi stated that the creation of ranches would enable herdsmen and their families to be able to access good medical facilities and good schools for their children if they stay in one place.
He said ranching would also improve the well-being of the cattle.
The governor stated that the federal government and the affected states will still iron out the interventions expected from the two parties.
The governor said though visa is not allowed for movement of those from West African countries, herdsmen from neighbouring countries would be expected to show some travel documents.
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Similarly, the minister of agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, said the federal government will no longer allow the killings to continue.
He said the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons may no longer be practiced in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, some gunmen have invaded another church in Benue state, killing seven people, The Cable reports.
The gunmen were said to have invaded a church in Logo local government area of Benue state on the morning of Thursday, April 26.
Legit.ng earlier reported that some suspected gunmen had invaded a Catholic Church in Gwer West local government area of the state on Tuesday, April 24.
The gunmen during the attack, reportedly shot dead, two priest and 17 church members.
In a related report, the recent killings of some worshipers including two priests after suspected herdsmen attacked Ayar Mbalom village in Gwer east local government area of Benue state has made the Senate to call on the federal government to declare the state and other parts of the country facing deadly violence, state of emergency.
Premium Times reports that the call is followed by a deliberation of a motion on “Continued killings in Benue state” sponsored by George Akume (Benue north west).
Legit.ng gathered that the call came a few days after 19 worshipers including Reverend Fathers Gor Joseph and Felix in a church located in the state.
The senators condemned the inefficiency of security chiefs and agencies, adding that declaring state of emergency is the best way to drive out perpetrators.
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Source: Legit.ng
