By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Socio-cultural groups in Benue State have called on the Federal Government to prioritise the safe return and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral communities before commencing any pilot ranching programme in the state.
The groups, comprising Mdzough U Tiv, Ochetoha K’Idoma and Omi Ny’Igede, made the call on Friday during a briefing with journalists in Makurdi.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Livestock Development, has initiated a National Ranching Policy, with Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau states identified for the pilot programme.
The groups, however, said the policy should be preceded by genuine mediation, adequate security and the restoration of communities affected by violence.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, Chairman of Mdzough U Tiv, Air Commodore Titus Agbecha (rtd.), alongside Chairman of Ochetoha K’Idoma, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, and Chairman of Omi Ny’Igede, Daniel Omera, stressed the need for dialogue and consent from affected communities.
They maintained that any ranching programme must be implemented through proper consultation, community consent and appropriate compensation for host communities.
Ranching can reduce farmer-herder conflicts
The groups said they were not opposed to modern ranching, describing it as a potentially beneficial approach to livestock production that could help reduce farmer-herder conflicts and strengthen food security.
They, however, expressed concern over the condition of thousands of displaced Benue residents who, according to them, remain unable to return to their ancestral homes.
They said more than 500,000 Benue residents were living in IDP camps across the state without homes, farms or sustainable livelihoods.
The groups argued that introducing new land-use arrangements for ranching while displaced landowners remained unable to return home would be unfair.
> “For over many 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.”
Groups warn against threat to food production
The socio-cultural organisations also warned that increasing population and growing demand for agricultural land were already putting pressure on available land in Benue and neighbouring states.
They stressed that Benue, widely regarded as Nigeria’s food basket, could not afford any policy that would undermine agricultural production.
“In the light of the foregoing, there must be genuine mediation, security of lives, and restoration of occupied communities. Land is a sensitive issue and cannot be imposed,” they said.
The groups emphasised that they supported modern ranching but insisted that it must be voluntary, community-driven and implemented without compromising food production or displacing farmers.
They also appealed to Benue residents to remain calm and law-abiding while the groups engage relevant authorities on their concerns.
“Benue is the food basket of the nation. For Nigeria to be food secure, Benue farmers must first be secure on their land,” they said.
The groups also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing an Army division in Benue State, expressing hope that the development would contribute to reducing attacks and improving security across the state.
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