The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has said over one hundred security operatives have been killed by Fulani Herdsmen while enforcing the State’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Establishment Law of 2017.
He explained that the Constitution empowers states to enact laws as long as it does not conflict with those existing laws in the country.
He further stated that the perceived failure of the Federal Government to come down hard on foreign Fulani herdsmen bearing weapons poses security threats to the lives and safety of security forces and Nigerians in general.
“Why do we need to allow Fulani from all these countries to come and destroy our land? That is the point we are saying. They have given unnecessary stress and risks to our security agencies in Nigeria.
“I say more than 100 security men have been killed in the course of providing security for lives and properties in Benue State in the course of implementing this our law.”
According to the governor, the affected victims include personnel of the army, police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He commended security agencies for putting in their best in safeguarding lives in the state, especially as it regards tackling the killings from herdsmen.