By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has warned those farming on empty portions of land within Makurdi the state capital to stop with immediate effect.
The governor who gave the warning in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula released at the weekend in Makurdi, frowned at the act and further directed that all those using empty plots of land and frontages of their houses to cultivate crops within Makurdi metropolis must desist forthwith.
He argued that such areas are used as hideouts by criminals who prefer dark places to perpetrate their evil acts, encouraging such owners to develop those plot in order not to risk revocation.
According to the governor, his administration is set to beautify the state capital, insisting that those using any portion of land within Makurdi town, including spaces within and around offices , roads and streets set-backs to farm should stop.
He said those who have properly fenced their plots might be excused to farm only within the fenced portion, warning that any person caught contravening the order would be sanctioned.