We will defend ourselves against Fulani herdsmen if government won’t! - Benue people declare

- Leader of Benue socio-political groups Chief Edward Ojege has faulted the Fulani herdsmen group for their characterization of the anti- open grazing law as ‘wicked, obnoxious and repressive’

- Ojege countered Fulani claims of ownership over the area claiming that there was no proof to support such

- He stated the readiness of Benue people to defend themselves against herdsmen but only if attacked first.

The three major ethnic groups in Benue, Mdzough U Tiv, Ochetoha K’Idoma and Onmiyi Igede have urged all Benue state indigenes to resist any attempt by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore to invade the state over the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law.

According to reports, the call was made by the leaders of the socio-cultural groups led by President General Mdzough U Tiv Chief Edward Ojege.

Ojege urged the residents of Benue state to defend themselves against attacks from rampaging Fulani herdsmen.

Recall that the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore group had vowed to resist the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition Establishment Law, 2017, also known as Anti-Open Grazing Law which was signed into law by the state governor, Samuel Ortom.

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Ojege, advised at a briefing on Wednesday, June 7 in Makurdi, the state capital, that citizens of the state should form vigilante groups to defend themselves.

He said: “All Benue ethnic groups also take exception to the characterization of the Anti-Open Grazing Law by the leadership of the Mayetti Allah Kautal Hore as ‘wicked, obnoxious and repressive’.

“There is neither historical, archaeological nor anthropological evidence to indicate that the Fulani ever inhabited the Benue Valley at any time before the advent of the Benue people.

“The recent claim by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore that they were in Benue Valley before our person is not only ridiculous, but also a lie concocted to support a desperate and diabolical claim on our ancestral lands.

“We are ready to resist this aggression with all the legitimate means that we can mobilize.

“We will not attack anyone, but if our people are attacked they will have to defend themselves. If the Federal Government cannot protect us, we will protect ourselves.”

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that the people of Benue were assured by the state governor Samuel Ortom of his administration’s resolve to ensure that the Anti-Open Grazing law is enforced.

Ortom made his comments while speaking with newsmen at the state government house after an emergency state security council meeting which was specifically convened to address the issue of the herdsmen.

Watch this NAIJ.com TV video of the devastation left behind in Southern Kaduna by marauding Fulani herdsmen