The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) branch in Benue State has praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for his choice to uphold the state’s ban on open grazing of livestock.

The state’s former governor, Samuel Ortom, signed the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law in 2017, and it was intended to operate as a strong barrier against the inflow of herdsmen.

Remember that the governor said the bill will be examined when he took office, causing concern that his administration may repeal the measure.

His administration has, however, adopted the law as a way of tackling the security crisis bedevilling the state.

Reacting, PDP in a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, welcomed Alia’s final stand on the matter.

The party urged the governor to create an enabling environment for the herdsmen who are willing to embrace ranching to do so, saying those who are unwilling should be chased out of the state.

Part of the statement reads, “We welcome the governor’s stand and urge him to back his words regarding his new stand with action by getting those herdsmen willing to embrace ranching to take to the practice immediately while those unwilling to do so should leave the state.”