The Executive Chairman of Oju Local Government Area in Benue State, Hon. Ominyi Jackson, has signed into law a new by-law that prohibits the rearing of cows within the council area and regulates the activities of scrap metal buyers. The legislation is designed to fully implement the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, as amended, across Oju LGA. It also sets out clear rules governing scavenging and scrap metal operations throughout the local government.
According to Hon. Ominyi, the by-law aims to promote peace, security, and a cleaner environment for residents of Oju. By enforcing the statewide ban on open grazing at the local level, the council seeks to reduce farmer-herder conflicts and protect farmlands from destruction by roaming cattle. The simultaneous regulation of scrap metal scavenging addresses concerns over unregulated activities that can contribute to environmental degradation, vandalism of public infrastructure, and insecurity.
The move aligns Oju LGA with broader efforts in Benue State to replace open grazing with ranching practices while bringing order to informal metal collection and trading. Officials have indicated that the by-law will be enforced with the support of relevant security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure compliance and safeguard the well-being of residents.
