The Nigerian Army has confirmed that 30 rival militia groups were killed in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The army, however, denied that the killings were related to herdsmen.
Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and Chairman of the Open Grazing Prohibition Enforcement Committee, clarified this at a briefing on Wednesday.
The state has started enforcing the ban on open grazing after a two-week ultimatum.
The military has conducted clearance operations against terrorists in the Kwande Local Government Area, bringing peace back to the area where over 27 people were killed in two weeks.
From Ukum to Kwande, Apa-Agatu, and Otukpo local government areas, farmers have been under heavy attacks with many casualties, including soldiers.
The Benue State Government and security agencies have decided that all herdsmen carrying arms and practicing open grazing must stop immediately or face consequences.
This decision was made by the enforcement committee on open grazing prohibition, led by the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke.
The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, emphasized that the grace period given to herdsmen has ended, while the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Benue State, Fidelis Mnyim, issued new directives on the legal stance regarding this issue.
