This followed the passage of the Open Rearing and Grazing Prohibition Bill, which restricts herdsmen from moving around in search of pastures.
The Bill provided for the establishment of ranches as the only acceptable means of rearing livestock, and prescribes three years imprisonment or a fine of one hundred thousand naira per animal or both, for any offender.
There is also a provision for monetary compensation or imprisonment of two years of a livestock owner or manager in case of damage to property.
And when such contravention causes the death of a person within the state, the owner or manager of such livestock shall be guilty of an offence of culpable homicide punishable under the Penal Code Law.
The Bill was presented to the Benue State House of Assembly in March last year by members of the Movement Against Fulani Occupation, following the massacre in Agatu communities.
