The Benue State House of Assembly has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to ensure the full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, as a means to end the persistent killings of innocent residents by armed herdsmen across the state.
The House issued a strong condemnation of the recent coordinated attacks, describing them as acts of terrorism, genocide, and ethnic cleansing, particularly in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
The lawmakers decried the destruction and loss of lives in the attacks, which reportedly involved the use of sophisticated weapons and explosives by the assailants.
Raising the matter under urgent public importance, Hon. Uche Terwase Peter, representing Guma 1 State Constituency, lamented the large-scale devastation in his constituency, where entire families, ranging from five to ten members, were wiped out, and homes were set ablaze.
In response, the Assembly called on the governor to declare three days of mourning, from Wednesday, June 18 to Friday, June 20, 2025, to honour the victims of the massacres.
Members of the Assembly expressed deep concern over what they described as the failure of security agencies to proactively prevent the attacks.
They urged Governor Alia to take decisive action to enforce existing laws and end the bloodshed. Lawmakers also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and to defend themselves within the framework of the law.
During the plenary, the House also passed the Local Government Bill 2024 through second reading.
The bill, presented by Hon. Terna Shimawua (Kyan State Constituency), aims to strengthen local government administration and enhance development at the grassroots.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, referred the bill to the House Committee on Local Government, Security and Chieftaincy Affairs for further legislative consideration
