Open Grazing: 105 Cows, 4 Sheep Seized In Benue

The Benue State Livestock Guards on Wednesday impounded 105 cows and four sheep caught grazing openly near the Akawe Torkula College of Advanced and Professional Studies in Makurdi, the state capital, Brainnews report.

Confirming the development to newsmen, Commander of the Livestock Guards, Mr. Linus Zaki, disclosed that one herder identified as Kunje Saija was also arrested in the course of the operation.

Zaki explained that in accordance with the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, the impounded cows will be quarantined for seven days before being auctioned if the owners fail to pay the fines stipulated by the law.

He cautioned herdsmen against the consequences of flouting the law, stressing the need for ranching of all forms of livestock in the state.

Governor Samuel Ortom recently restated the commitment of Benue State Government to full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.