Benue State government yesterday said it plans to send a bill to the state House of Assembly for the establishment of ranches by cattle owners in the state. Governor Samuel Ortom made this known yesterday when the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Airforce Base, Makurdi, Air Vice- Marshal R. A. Ojuawo, led other officers to visit the governor in Makurdi. He said when passed into law, the ranches would forestall the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the state.

According to Governor Ortom, the initiative would be a permanent solution to such age-long conflict, adding that the establishment of such ranches remain the best practice for cattle owners across the world. The governor, who expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for maintaining a cordial relationship with the government and people of the state over the years, urged the officers and men of the command to help his administration tackle the security challenges confronting the state.

Ortom said his government has taken proactive measures, including the declaration of an amnesty programme to recover illegal arms and create avenue for investment to thrive.Earlier, Air Marshal Ojuawo had requested the governor to take proactive steps to sustain security in the state and to explore the possibility of commencing flight operations from Abuja to Makurdi at least three times in a week. He expressed the resolve of the NAF BASE, Makurdi, to continue to discharge its responsibilities creditably and requested the governor to visit the command to see things for himself.

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Benue proposes grazing law to forestall Fulani, Tiv clashes