BENUE, TARABA DEEPEN PARTNERSHIP ON SECURITY

By Terna Injua

Benue and Taraba States Government have resolved to forge a common front against the reported plot by Fulani pastoralists to takeover lands belonging to indigenous people of the two states.

Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue and Architect Darius Ishaku of Taraba gave the assurance today in Takum during the burial of a Taraba State House of Assembly member, Hon. Hosea Ibi who was kidnapped and killed by abductors.

Governor Ortom stated that the land which the herdsmen are laying claim today had been passed on to the people of Benue by their forefathers and as leaders, they must secure it for generations yet unborn.

He maintained that God brought him and Governor Isiaku to strengthen the bond that exists between the two states, giving assurance that they would fight and defeat crime in all its forms.

Governor Ortom commended the people and Government of Taraba for standing firm in the promulgation and implementation of Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law which he said remains the only solution to farmer-herder crises.

Taraba State Governor, Architect Darius Ishaku stated that the prohibition of open grazing and ranches establishment law was enacted to ensure peaceful coexistence in the state.

He lamented the level of insecurity in the country and called on those in charge to take drastic measures to reverse the trend, adding that for the country to progress, it must be built on truth, fairness and justice rather than falsehood.

The two Governors also reaffirmed their rejection of the proposed cattle colonies, urging other states to embrace ranching as the global best practice of animal husbandry.

Other speakers at the funeral included the Senator representing Taraba South, Emmanuel Bwacha and Speaker Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Diah who urged Nigerians to refrain from making inflammatory statements capable of worsening the security situation in the country.

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BENUE, TARABA DEEPEN PARTNERSHIP ON SECURITY