𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 — 𝐏𝐃𝐏 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭

A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Peter Tortiv-Ato, has condemned the suspension of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Establishment Law, saying the decision has intensified the wave of deadly attacks carried out by armed herders across the state.

Speaking during an interaction with journalists, Tortiv-Ato said the law was one of the strongest defenses Benue people had against unchecked open grazing and violent incursions into farming communities. According to him, putting the law on hold has emboldened criminal elements who now operate with increased confidence.

He noted that several communities have come under renewed attacks since the suspension, leaving many residents displaced and worsening the humanitarian situation in the affected areas. Tortiv-Ato called on the state government to urgently reinstate the law, strengthen security operations, and adopt long-term strategies that prioritize the safety and livelihoods of citizens.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security in Benue if given the mandate, stressing that protecting the lives of residents must remain the government’s top priority.