The Anti-Open Grazing Law Implementation: Farmers-Herders Conflicts in Benue State, Nigeria

Author:Fortunetus Izuchukwu Oguwuike*, Celestine Ochu Udeh

Abstract:
The intensification of perennial crisis often orchestrated by farmersherders resource contestation in Benue State, which has not only resulted in carnage to the people, but also exacerbated ethno-religious contempt in the state. In attempt to halt the situation, restore peace in the state, antiopen grazing law was implemented as a last resort. The study was anchored on the institutional theory as its blue-print of understanding. It adopted documentary visibility method of data collection, content analysis deployed for analysing data generated from secondary sources. It revealed that the imposition of stiff penalties on free movement of livestock, the arrest, prosecution and imposition of severe penalties on the offenders aided in the reduction of farmers-herders conflict in Benue State. We recommended amongst other things, that Benue State Government should keep security collaboration and synergy with all the bordering states to keep tough in the fight against Fulani extremists.

Keywords:Attacks, Internecine-conflicts, Kidnapping, Killings, Open- Grazing.

DOI:10.46333/ijtc/13/2/17

International Journal of Trade & Commerce (Vol: 13 Issue:2)