Opposition to the Federal government's proposed pilot ranching scheme in Nigeria's middle belt took a new dimension Friday with the three apex socio-cultural organizations in Benue State - Mdzough u Tiv, Ochetoha k'Idoma and Ominy'Igede expressing vehement opposition to it. The joint body however listed conditions under which the proposal may be considered. In a press statement Friday August 14, the three socio-cultural associations, while conceding that, ranching as a modern practice of animal husbandry is welcome for its potential to reduce farmer-herder conflicts and improve food security, "due to the peculiar realities on ground in Benue and neighboring States", three critical issues have to be addressed. The three associations noted: "We currently have over 500,000 (five hundred thousand) Benue people living in Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps across the State. They have no home to return to, no shelter, no farms, and no livelihood. Thus, it is unjust to talk about new land use for ranches when the owners of the land are still refugees in their own state." The statement also said, "For over five years, several communities in Benue State have been under siege. Our villages have been attacked, occupied, and our people killed or chased away. There has been no comprehensive mediation, no justice, and no resettlement of these communities. Establishing ranches under this atmosphere will be seen as rewarding violence and dispossession", adding, "With rapid population growth, available land in Benue and neighboring states is under immense pressure for agricultural production. Benue remains the food basket of the nation. Any program that involves large-scale land acquisition must not undermine food production." The statement called on the Federal Government to "prioritize the safe return and resettlement of all IDPs to their ancestral homes before any pilot scheme begins," insisting, there must be "genuine mediation, security of lives, and restoration of occupied communities. Peace must precede policy." The socio-cultural associations further noted, "Dialogue and consent are quite essential. Any ranching program must be done through proper consultation, consent, and compensation with host communities. Land is a sensitive issue and cannot be imposed. We are not against modern ranching, but it must be voluntary, community-driven, and must not displace food production." The statement urged Benue people to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that, "We are engaging all relevant authorities to ensure our concerns are properly addressed through dialogue. Benue is the food basket of the nation. For Nigeria to be food secure, Benue farmers must first be secure on their land." The statement was signed by Titus Agbecha, Air Commodore (Retired), President General Mdzough u Tiv and Chairman, Benue Socio-Cultural Organizations.

Posted: 2months ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 18 October 2026