Herdsmen: Benue To Provide Communities Under Frequent Attacks With Satellite Phones 

There are indications that Benue State Government may purchase and make available satellite phones and other internet-based communication radios and gadgets to communities that have come under frequent attack by Fulani herdsmen.

The decision to purchase the gadget was part of the recommendations made at the end of the Benue State Security Council meeting held at Government House, Makurdi on Friday.

The meeting which was chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu noted that since there was no communication network in most of the areas, it would avail the people in the affected areas the opportunity to pass out information quickly to security operatives in the event of attacks.

The Council also said that more emphasis should now be placed on the prevention of attacks by the herders rather than the reactionary approach.

According to the resolutions reached at the end of the Security Council meeting, “Community members should be encouraged to be watchful and provide security surveillance in their areas and transmit information to the relevant authorities.

“Benue State Government should make provision for satellite phones and internet-based communication radios/gadgets, especially to the communities where there are no mobile communication networks to enhance quick transmission of information to the security operatives.

“That all stakeholders should note that the Anti-Open grazing law is still in existence in Benue State and all must respect this fact and abide by the law.

“All the stakeholders especially the law enforcement agents should show sincerity in the implementation/enforcement of the Anti- Open grazing law currently in place in the State.

“That emphasis now should be on prevention of attack by the Fulani herders rather than the reactionary approach”, the Council resolved.