To prevent a serious crisis in the border communities of Vandeikya and Obudu Local Government Areas, or LGAs, of both states, the governments of Benue and Cross River State have promised to cooperate.
This occurred after the situation in the two communities was about to get out of control yesterday when young people in the area impounded a herd of cattle that were allegedly straying into Tsar Mbaduku in Vandeikya LGA from Obudu LGA for breaking the Benue grazing law.
The move provoked a backlash, and as tension grew, Jude Chinebe, the security adviser for Cross River, and Chief Joseph Har, the governor of Benue State, moved swiftly into the communities to try to diffuse the situation by urging calm.
Speaking to the populace, Chief Har made a peace plea and admitted that while the cattle in question had wandered into the Benue community, they had not grazed on any individual’s farm.
He declared, “Let me be clear: Obudu and Tiv people are farmers; we are not known for rearing cattle. Nobody should be able to separate us because we are brothers who have battled in the past but have chosen peace in the present. Allowing herders or foreigners to graze on our territory indicates that you have brought adversaries with you in an attempt to drive a wedge between us. Furthermore, since herdsmen do not own this land, we will speak with the Obudu people in the event of a strike. Make it plain that you want them to be here, by allowing them to graze in Obudu. We have a law against open grazing in Benue State. Our policy prohibits open grazing. Every cattle that graze on our property is subject to arrest by our Livestock Guards.
Cattle from Obudu crossed into Benue, but escaped unharmed, according to Comptroller Jude Chinebe (retd.), Special Advisor on State Security (North) to the Governor of Cross River State.
He stated, “We all have to learn to obey the law of another State. Benue State has a law against open grazing.” Picture source: Vangauard