Samuel Ortom, the governor of Benue State has asked the Federal Government to declare two cattle rearing groups as terrorists.
The groups include Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM).
Ortom’s demand came hours after the federal government gazetted an order designating bandits as terrorists.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Nathaniel Ikyur, Governor Ortom said labeling bandits as terrorists “is not enough.”
According to him, “even though the federal government’s measures on bandits now seems strong, the security challenges will only be adequately addressed if similar hard position is taken on Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, MACBAN and the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) who have vowed and continued to cause mayhem in Benue State and other parts of the country because of the anti-grazing laws.
“For us in Benue State, the law has come to stay. It is irrevocable. In fact, we have maintained our position that Benue State has no grazing routes, reserves or areas so whatever.
It was enacted in good faith for peace and order in the state. It was done among other things to end the incessant farmers/herdsmen clashes in the state,’’ he added.
