The Benue State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to commence enforcement of the anti-open grazing law in the state.

The party condemned the ongoing security crises ravaging Benue communities, saying the challenge threatens the peace, safety, and sustainable livelihood of the people and demanded decisive and immediate action by the government.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the publicity secretary of the party, Tim Nyor.

The statement read: “We reaffirm our steadfast support for the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state as popularly enacted in 2017 as the most effective and sustainable solution to the current security challenges.

The law is the product of rigorous consultations, extensive deliberations, and the collective will of our people, crafted to promote peace, security, and economic stability across our state as anchored by the immediate past administration.

“It is crucial to communicate clearly to the Federal Government, and especially to the President of Nigeria, that there is no vacant land in Benue State to be shared with those who seek to undermine our state and threaten our peace.

“Our land is sacred; it is an ancestral inheritance that sustains our livelihoods as a people, and we will not capitulate to external pressures or intimidation campaigns aimed at destabilizing our communities.

“We call on both the President and the Benue State Governor to exercise the necessary political will to enforce this law fully and without delay. The enforceability of the open grazing prohibition law is paramount to restoring order, safeguarding our agricultural resources, and ensuring long-term peace.

“We urge Governor Hyacinth Alia to maintain the integrity of the law and resist any attempts to repeal or weaken its effectiveness.

“While we acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the committee established by the President to review this matter, we must emphasize that the time for prolonged debates has passed.

“Our people deserve swift, decisive action – solutions that have been deliberated upon and refined over years of engagement. Delay is no longer an option.”

Nyor added that the PDP firmly supports the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law as the cornerstone of our strategy to resolve the current crises.