Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has declared that he did not refer to the entire Masev lineage of the state as cattle rustlers following the deaths in the Wa-ndoo community by armed herders.
Recall that President-General of Masev Development Association, Prof Vitalis Tarhule, had published a statement on Sunday, “Disappointment and anguished echoes from the hearts of Masev people”, condemning claims of cattle rustling against Masev people by Alia.
In response to a press release from the Masev Development Association on Monday, the governor’s chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula Mallam, defended his boss.
It is unfortunate, according to Kula, if any Masev feel hurt by official pronouncements about the terrible deaths and property damage in Wa-ndoo, Mbaikyor, of Mbalom Council Ward, Gwer East Local Government.
“The Governor works closely with communities and security organizations in his capacity as Chief Security Officer. He also regularly receives security intelligence and other privileged briefings.”
“The Masev people cannot be classified as livestock rustlers as a group. Not at all! We are aware of their joint efforts to maintain safety in the territory, which is why the governor did not label them that way,” he stated.
He claimed that criminal elements were responsible for the regrettable crises or attacks at hand, which frequently lead to criminal herder gangs acting indiscriminately.
Cattle rustling or any other mischievous act, he continued, does not and should not justify lawlessness, particularly when it comes to the point where any individual or group disrupts public order and kills several people.
Importantly, it is unlawful in and of itself for cattle to graze in the open.
He went on, “Security personnel are hard at work, and those who commit these horrible acts will undoubtedly be caught and made to face the full force of the law.”
Although it has been difficult, Kula noted that the state administration and security services have taken further steps to ensure that any livestock not on ranches depart the state after the designated “window” for the kinetic strategy.
He restated that the government is closely collaborating with security agencies to ensure that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 is fully implemented.
According to him, if rustling is linked to the most recent Mbalom incident, it does not represent a criticism of the Masev people but rather serves as leverage for herder gangs and their goons.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia’s constitutional duty to safeguard all inhabitants and their lands remains, and any mention of rustling does not imply a lack of accountability or shifting of blame with the populace. Not at all!
“Death cannot be justified in any circumstance, regardless of the close or distant source. Once more, this does not excuse the numerous murders committed over the years by violent herdsmen,” he declared.
According to him, the government is worried and hopes that the Masev Development Association’s National Executive Council and the Masev people as a whole won’t see the governor’s comments as detrimental to their moral character.