The Benue State Government is to build six pivot ranches to facilitate the effective implementation of the anti-open grazing law in the state.
The State Governor, Samuel Ortom signed the law, which he said would check incessant clashes between farmers and herders, on May 2, 2017.
The Special Adviser to Ortom on security, Col. Edwin Jando (retired) disclosed the plan to build the ranches to journalists on Tuesday in Makurdi, at the end of a critical stakeholders meeting for the implementation of the law.
Jando said that the meeting was aimed at sensitizing stakeholders, particularl herdsmen, on the law.
According to him, the pivot ranches would be used as a confine for impounded cattle, explaining that they would be kept in the confinement for seven days before being auctioned or the owner fined.
The security adviser said that the ranches would be situated at strategic locations, preferably at boundary points.
Jando noted that the ranches will be located in Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Guma and Makurdi, while another one will be located between Gwer West and Agatu.
He also said that government would not build ranches for herdsmen, and advised interested herdsmen to acquire land through the due processes and build their ranches.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Benue, Mr Bashir Makama, in a remark, urged stakeholders to abide by the guidelines for the implementation of the law in the interest of the cattle owners and farmers.
Makama also advised those planning to establish ranches to follow due process in the acquisition of land to avoid violent disagreements.
He urged those affected by the law to strive to be conversant with it before the Nov. 1 deadline.
The law is expected to take effect on Nov. 1, 2017.
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