By Uche Onyeali
Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) has asked the Plateau and Benue State governments to immediately ban open grazing and prosecute suspects linked to violent crimes in their states.
Falana, who is the Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond, ASCAB, made the call in a statement on Sunday while expressing sympathy over the incessant loss of lives in both states.
Describing the recent spate of attacks as genocidal, the senior advocate expressed disbelief that security forces had failed to defeat the ill-equipped gunmen terrorising unarmed people in Benue and Plateau States.
He recalled that during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, northern and southern governors forums agreed to outlaw open grazing across the country.
Falana said the federal government adopted ranching to curb the violent clashes between herders and farmers by releasing N6.2 billion to the Katsina State government.
“Our call on other state governments then to demand for the same amount and for the same purpose fell on deaf ears,” he said.
The human rights lawyer commended Benue and Plateau governments for establishing state security outfits, in line with the example set by the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo State.
He, however, said there have been allegations that the security outfits in both states are underfunded.
“As a matter of urgency, the operatives of both security agencies should be well trained and motivated to rout out the merchants of death operating in both states,” he said.
Falana said over 1,000 suspects were arrested between January and December 2024 by a combined team of the Nigeria Police Force and the armed forces in connection with killings, kidnappings and other crimes in Plateau and Benue States.
He added that no less than 100 suspects have been arrested between January and March.
“We are, however, disturbed that most of the arrested suspects were briefly detained and released either conditionally or unconditionally.
“Hence, the killing and abduction of innocent persons have continued unabated.”
He urged the attorneys-general of Benue and Plateau States to ensure that all suspected killers are prosecuted in line with the provisions of the penal codes applicable in their states.
“It is high time that open grazing is banned by the governments of Benue and Plateau States.
“Without further delay, the federal government should establish ranches in Benue, Plateau and other states and ban the movement of cattle in the Federal Capital Territory and all states of the federation,” he said.
