Despite widespread opposition to the federal government decision to establish pilot ranching schemes in Benue and other states in the country's middle belt, Governor Hyacinth Alia insists he is still consulting on the matter. Since Minister of Livestock Development Mukhtar Maiha disclosed the FG's intension last week, Alia has come under intense pressure from the entire state to explain his role in the policy decision. Benue people have unanimously rejected the proposal and insisted in the Alia administration to react to the FG decision based on the state's anti-open grazing law (2017). In their reaction, the three socio-cltural associations representing Tiv, Idoma and Igede ethnic groups in the state, came down heavily against the policy, pointing out that it is unacceptable "due to the peculiar realities on ground in Benue and neighboring States". The groups noted that Benue "currently has over 500,000 (five hundred thousand) people living in Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps ... who "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 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 that there must be "genuine mediation, security of lives, and restoration of occupied communities" before any discussion on whatever policy, insisting, "Peace must precede policy." Most Benue people and organizations have also denounced the policy as a thinly veiled land grabbing scheme designed to impose Fulani hegemony in Benue and the rest of the Middle Belt of Nigeria. Still more are of the opinion that the federal government could not have taken the decision without governor Alia's knowledge and input. Even against such broad based rejection, Governor Alia refuses to categorically take a stand on the FG's pronouncement. Yesterday he said through his chief press secretary Tersoo Kula that he is still consulting on the matter which according to him requires careful consideration. "There is a need for restraint and thoughtful consideration. There is no need to take the issue to the streets, churches, media or market places in a rush to politicise it,” he said. Kula said the governor would approach the matter with careful consideration and strategic judgement. “Not every issue requires an immediate public pronouncement," he noted.

Posted: 2months ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 18 October 2026