No Vacant Land In Benue, Enforce Anti-Open Grazing Law Now — PDP Tells FG
The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Federal Government to fully implement the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, warning that there is no vacant land in the state for grazing reserves, settlements, or any related federal initiative.
The PDP stated this in a statement issued on by the State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, where the PDP accused the Federal Government of failing to act decisively to protect Benue communities from what it described as “persistent and coordinated attacks” by armed herders.
“The law banning open grazing was borne out of deep consultation with the people of Benue. It is not just legislation—it is our shield for peace and survival,” Iortyom said.
“Our people have suffered enough. The time for talking is over. What is needed now is action, not rhetoric.”
The statement condemned recent violence in several parts of the state, which the party says has led to the deaths of innocent civilians, displacement of thousands, and destruction of farmlands and communities.
“These persistent attacks are a grave threat to peace, livelihoods, and human dignity,” the party said.
“They are not isolated incidents, but part of a broader assault on the rights of our people to live in safety on their ancestral land.”
The PDP also issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration against any moves to allocate Benue land for grazing reserves or settlements under any federal programme.
“There is no vacant land in Benue for external interests,” the statement declared.
“Our land is ancestral and sacred. Any attempt to grab it under any guise will be strongly resisted.”
The party maintained that the 2017 law—which prohibits open grazing and promotes the establishment of ranches as a modern alternative—remains the only viable, homegrown solution to the crisis.
“Benue people spoke with one voice when they demanded this law,” Iortyom added.
“It was not imposed from above, but created to reflect our realities and preserve our lives. Any attempt to undermine or repeal it would be a betrayal of the people’s trust.”
Turning its focus to the state government, the PDP challenged Governor Hyacinth Alia to publicly reaffirm his commitment to the law and resist what it alleged to be mounting pressure from federal quarters to dilute or repeal key provisions.
“We call on Governor Alia to rise to the occasion. He must defend the law with the same courage and resolve with which it was enacted,” the statement read. “The people are watching. Any compromise will not be forgiven.”
The Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, signed in 2017 by then-Governor Samuel Ortom, has been a cornerstone of Benue’s legislative response to herder-farmer conflicts.
While widely supported within the state, it has drawn criticism from some groups and officials outside Benue who advocate for grazing reserves across states.
However, the PDP insists that the law is non-negotiable.
“Our position is clear,” Iortyom concluded. “Benue land belongs to the Benue people. We will not surrender our heritage, our homes, or our lives.”
No Vacant Land In Benue, Enforce Anti-Open Grazing Law Now — PDP Tells FG is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
