The Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has said the state lost N95 billion in herdsmen attacks between 2012 and 2014.
Ortom, who addressed a stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue People’s House yesterday, said the attacks necessitated the declaration of a seven-day fasting and prayer.
According to him, the attacks put Benue in a difficult situation as agriculture, which is the state’s strongest point, is being destroyed, while payment of salaries and pension, amounting to N7.8 billion, continues to be a major issue.
“We have no land for grazing and grazing routes; we cannot join grazing and farming,” he reiterated.
The governor noted that with the ever-increasing population, ranching remained the best alternative, adding that the anti-grazing bill, sent to the House of Assembly, would be subjected to public hearing. He urged stakeholders to participate in the exercise.
He said security committees have been inaugurated and appealed to the people to shun reprisals.
President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Benue State on attack on a market in Zaki Biam.
