By Desire Emmanuel
What could have been another farmers-herders clash was averted as two Fulani herdsmen have been arrested by men of the Nigerian Army after they took their cattle inside farmlands in Benue State, causing destruction of crops belonging to the farmers in the process.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed to Zongo Akiku in Makurdi, the state capital, arrested the two herders after they were found trespassing and destroying crops on the community farmlands in the area.
They were said to have led their cattle into cultivated farmlands belonging to local residents, resulting in damage to crops.
The swift intervention by the soldiers prevented further destruction and possible confrontation between the herders and the affected farmers, as some of the farmers were said to have spoilt for a showdown after seeing the extent of damage on their farms.
The two herdsmen are said to be in custody currently for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Benue State has recorded many clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen who brazenly take their cattle to graze on farmlands, thereby destroying crops and other farm produce.
