By Amos Aar
THE ALL Nations Evangelism Ministry has commended the Nigerian Senate for initiating a bill that will end open grazing which it said has spilled a lot of blood in the country as a result of herder-farmer conflicts.
Reading a communiqué at the end of the second quarter synod of the All Nations Evangelism held during the word of Faith Ministers Convention at the Faith Cathedral, Makurdi, Benue State capital, chairman of the synod, Most Rev. Dr Yimam Orkwar, who doubled as the president, Christian Association of Clergies (CAC) called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the present effort to ensure that the bill is passed into law for full implementation.
“A ban on open grazing and provision of ranches is long overdue and the assignment should be handled with every sense of patriotism, equity and fairness”, Okwar stressed.
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He said the synod was saddened by the brutal murder of six of her members in Gwer West LGA of Benue State by Fulani herdsmen/bandits on April 14, 2024, and called on government to rise to its responsibility of securing the lives and property of citizens.
Reacting to the opposition by some senators from the Northern part of Nigeria to the anti-open grazing bill that is being deliberated upon at the senate, the CAC president urged those kicking against the bill to consider national interest above self.
“What is good for Nigeria now is what Nigerians should work for. Ranching is the best practice everywhere in the world”, he maintained.
Bishop Orkwar further called on government to take deliberate steps to genuinely alleviate the sufferings of the people and give Nigerians a better standard of living.
While he appreciated the recent efforts at combatting the menace of armed bandits in the Sankera axis of Benue State by the present administration in the state, Orkwar urged “government to intensify efforts and strengthen the security architecture in the area”.
