The Speaker of the Benue Assembly, Mr Terkimbi Ikyange says the Anti-Open Grazing Law, which comes into effect in the state on November 1, will be fully implemented and enforced.

Ikyange gave the assurance on Tuesday when members of the Strict Movement against Ravages in Tiv Land (SMART-Land) visited him in Makurdi.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the law was passed by the Benue House of Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Samuel Ortom on May 22.

The speaker said that the Nov. 1 date for the commencement of the implementation of the law was not in any way negotiable.

“There is no going back on the full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition Law 2017,” he said.

Ikyange said that the Assembly would continue to enact legislation that would protect the Benue valley, reiterating that implementation of the law was, therefore, sacrosanct.

He said that the Assembly was aware of the threats issued by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), adding, however, there was no cause for alarm.

He said that the threats of the association would be reported to the appropriate authorities for action.

The speaker urged the citizens of the state to exercise restraint, while remaining law-abiding, calm and supporting the government in its efforts to implement the law.

He commended the group for the visit, saying that it was a show of love for their people and state.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of SMART-Land, Mr Sevendagas Gbakighir, said that the visit was to convey the support of the association for the full implementation of the law.

Gbakighir said that the association also condemned the threats of MACBAN in all ramifications. (NAN)

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