Benue socio-cultural groups – Mdzough-U-Tiv (MUT); Idoma National Forum and Omi Ny’Igede – have rejected the Federal Government’s proposed pilot cattle ranching in the state.
According to them, the plan is another attempt to grab their land and give to herdsmen.
A statement by the President of Mzough-U-Tiv (MUT), Chief Edward Ujege, said they agreed that ranching is the best method of animal husbandry globally, and so rejected the use of public funds to build ranches for a private business of cattle rearing.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to publications concerning the establishment of pilot cattle ranches in 10 states, including Benue.
“The proposed project, which has a 10-year plan, is estimated to cost N179 billion, of which N70 billion is to be sourced by the Federal Government to start the project.
“While we appreciate the government’s position to accept ranching as the best method of animal’s husbandry, which has also been our position in Benue State, we reject the government’s idea of using public funds to build ranches for a private business of cattle rearing.
“Cattle rearing is a private business, just like crop farming, and should be treated as such.
“There is a law on Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment enacted by the Benue State government, and the law says those interested in the business of rearing cattle should acquire land and build ranches.
“These herders will also have to abide by the terms and conditions of the land acquisition, and the host communities will have a sense of belonging.
“As we reaffirm our support and stance for this law, and all its provisions, we view the attempt by the Federal Government to build ranches for herders in our state as a grand plan to grab our land and give it to herdsmen in the name of ranches.
“We also reiterate our earlier call on the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore for their complicity in the Benue killings. If these people are not arrested and interrogated for threatening to invade our communities and carrying out their threats, we will continue to treat both the Federal Government and our killers as one.”
