The Nigerian Army has confirmed the deaths of 30 rival militia groups in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. Additionally, it has refuted claims that these killings were related to herdsmen.
Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and Chairman of the Open Grazing Prohibition Enforcement Committee, provided clarification during a briefing on Wednesday. This occurred as the state initiated the enforcement of the ban on open grazing following the expiration of a two-week ultimatum.
He highlighted the military’s decisive clearance operations against terrorists in the Kwande Local Government Area, and this effort has resulted in the restoration of peace to the region, where over 27 individuals were reportedly killed within a two-week period.
From Ukum to Kwande local government areas to Apa- Agatu and Otukpo local government areas, farmers have come under heavy attacks, with many killed within the last two weeks, including soldiers.
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But the Benue State Government and the security agencies have come to the conclusion that all arm-bearing herdsmen and those engaging in open grazing must stop forthwith or face the consequences.
This was the position of the enforcement committee on open grazing prohibition, led by the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke.
Also, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, warned that the grace period granted herdsmen has ended, just as the Commissioner for Justice & Attorney General Of Benue State, Fidelis Mnyim, issued fresh directives on the position of the law on the matter.
