Explainer: Why Benue State Continues to Face Security Challenges Despite the Anti-Open Grazing Law

 

Introduction

 

In 2017, the Benue State Government enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law to curb recurring clashes between farmers and herders, protect farmlands, and improve security. However, nearly a decade later, attacks, killings, displacement of communities, and destruction of properties have continued across parts of the State. Recent incidents in Gwer West, Apa, Guma, Logo, Kwande, and other local government areas have raised questions about why insecurity persists despite the law.

At least 20 people killed in simultaneous attacks on communities in …

 

Claim 1: Benue anti open grazing law has not solved the security situation in the State.

 

Verification/Findings

 

The Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law was signed into law in 2017. Its objectives include preventing destruction of farmlands, reducing clashes between farmers and herders, protecting the environment, and encouraging ranching as an alternative to open grazing.

 

Source : (PDF) An Overview of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition …

 

The Benue State Government has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law, including directives issued in 2024 for full implementation by security agencies.

 

What this means

 

The law was never intended to be only a livestock regulation. It was also conceived as a security intervention aimed at addressing one of the major drivers of violence in the state.

 

Verdict: TRUE

 

Claim 2: The law has completely solved Benue’s security challenges

 

Verification/Findings

 

Several studies and reports indicate that violent attacks and insecurity have continued despite the enactment of the law. Research published in the Benue Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies found that the law has not been sufficiently effective in preventing attacks in affected communities.

 

Similarly, recent reports from international media documented multiple deadly attacks in Benue in 2025, resulting in dozens of deaths and displacement of residents.

 

Source: An Assessment of Open-Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law (2017) on Determent of Farmer-Herder Conflict in Benue State

 

What this means

 

While the law provides a legal framework, legislation alone cannot automatically eliminate violence without effective enforcement. Intelligence gathering, prosecution of offenders, and broader security reforms will do.

 

Verdict: FALSE

 

Why Security Challenges Persist

 

 Weak Enforcement and Implementation Gaps

 

Security experts and researchers argue that enforcement remains inconsistent across many rural communities. Although the law exists, challenges such as inadequate security personnel, limited logistics, and poor monitoring of remote areas have affected implementation.

 

Source: Open Grazing Law

 

 Climate Change and Competition for Resources

 

Studies identify climate variability, shrinking grazing areas, and increasing competition over land and water resources as major drivers of conflict. As pastoralists move in search of pasture and water, tensions continue to rise in farming communities.

 

Source: Journals Unizik Analysing the Causes and Effects of Farmer-Herder Conflict in Benue State, Nigeria

 

 Porous Borders and Movement of Armed Groups

 

Benue shares boundaries with several states, including Nasarawa, Taraba, Cross River, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Kogi. Research suggests that forests and border areas have become routes for armed groups and criminal elements, making security management more difficult.

 

From ejecting the herds to hidden dangers: farmer-herder conflict … Science Direct, Volume 17, September,2024

 

 Criminality Beyond Farmer-Herder Conflict

 

Analysts increasingly note that insecurity in Benue is no longer limited to disputes between farmers and herders. Banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and organized criminal activities have become intertwined with existing conflicts.

 

Source: Journals , University Of Jos https://journals.unijos.edu.ng/index.php/ujjps/article/view/984?utm_source=chatgpt.com

 

 Proliferation of Weapons

 

The availability of sophisticated weapons among non-state actors has increased the scale and lethality of attacks. This has complicated efforts by local communities and security agencies to contain violence.

 

Source: AP, June 3, 2025

At least 20 people killed in simultaneous attacks on communities in …

 

 Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

 

Thousands of residents have been displaced from their communities, creating humanitarian challenges and weakening local agricultural production. Displaced populations often remain vulnerable to further attacks and economic hardship.

 

Source:

Effect of Insecurity on Agricultural Output in Benue State, Nigeria

 

Verdict

 

The Anti-Open Grazing Law alone has not been enough to end insecurity in Benue State.

 

Available evidence shows that while the law was created to reduce farmer-herder clashes and improve security, factors such as weak enforcement, climate-related resource competition, criminality, porous borders, proliferation of weapons, and displacement of communities have continued to fuel violence across the state. Therefore, the persistence of insecurity in Benue cannot be attributed solely to the existence or absence of the law but to a combination of security, environmental, governance, and socio-economic challenges.

 

Source:

Forty-two people killed in central Nigeria in attacks blamed on herders

 

This piece  was produced in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) as part of its Media Fellowship in Benue State.

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