Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue has said lands are available for Fulani herdsmen who want to ranch their cattle in the state.

Mr Ortom disclosed this on the 72nd birthday of Iyorwuese Hagher, a former Nigeria Ambassador to Mexico. The Commissioner for Education, Dennis Ityayvar, represented him at the event.

According to him, Benue people are historical friends of the Fulanis.

Mr Ityayvar stated, “His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom has explained again and again that we, Benue people are not against Fulani. We’re still friends.

“He has taken a decision now to be deliberate in explaining to people that the establishment of the anti-open grazing bill or law is a very progressive idea which is done in almost all countries of the world.”

The commissioner added that “those who have a lot of cattle are still using ranching.”

“Any Fulani person who wants to establish a ranch in Benue will have the land. Even if our chairman wants to start a ranch, he will get the land today,” said Mr Ityayvar. “We will give you land and start the ranch today so that people will see it as a model, and wherever we go, we want to correct the impression because if you read history, you will see that we have always been friends with Fulani.”

In March, Mr Ortom claimed that he was attacked by Fulani herdsmen while going to his farm.

In April, the Benue governor accused President Muhammadu Buhari of spearheading an alleged plot of the Fulani ethnic group to take over Nigeria.

“What is happening now, to me, is very clear; Mr President is just working for these Fulanis to take over the whole country. His body language is what is being played out. The body language, the action, and inaction of Mr President show that he is only the President of Fulani people; I have known this,” Mr Ortom had claimed.