Benue Leaders Reject Ranching Plan Without Return of Displaced Farmers

Benue’s three leading socio-cultural organisations have asked the Federal Government to prioritise the return and resettlement of displaced residents before proceeding with its proposed pilot ranching programme in the state.

The Mzough U Tiv (MUT), Ochetoha k’Idoma (OKI) and Omi Ny’Igede (ONI) said they supported modern ranching in principle but would not support any arrangement that displaced communities, reduced farmland or was imposed without the consent of affected residents.

Their position was presented at a press conference attended by MUT Worldwide President General and Chairman of the Benue Socio-Cultural Organisations, Air Commodore Titus Agbecha (retd.); Ochetoha k’Idoma President General, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu; and Omi Ny’Igede President General, Daniel Omeno.

Agbecha said the groups had received the Federal Government’s proposal with “mixed feelings”.

He explained that ranching could help address herder incursions and improve food security if properly designed and implemented.

But he warned that Benue’s humanitarian and security situation made the timing of large-scale ranch development questionable.

‘The owners of the land are still refugees’

According to Agbecha, more than 500,000 Benue residents are currently displaced and living in IDP camps across the state.

“We currently have over 500,000 Benue people living in Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, Camps across Benue state. They have no home to return to, no shelter, no farms and no livelihood,” he said.

He questioned the rationale for allocating land to ranches when displaced residents had yet to reclaim their homes and farms.

“It is unjust to discuss new land use for ranches when the owners of the land are still refugees in their own state,” he said.

Agbecha further alleged that communities across the state had suffered attacks for more than five years, resulting in deaths and displacement.

He warned that introducing ranches under such circumstances could create the impression that violence and displacement were being rewarded.

“Establishing ranches under this atmosphere will be seen as rewarding violence and dispossession,” he said.

The groups therefore called for comprehensive mediation, restoration of affected communities and justice for victims before the ranching initiative proceeds.

Food security concerns

The Benue leaders also raised concerns about the potential impact of large-scale ranching on agricultural production.

They noted that Benue is one of Nigeria’s key food-producing states and warned against any policy that could reduce the land available to farmers.

“Benue remains the food basket of the nation. Any programme that involves large-scale land acquisition must not undermine food production,” Agbecha said.

The organisations urged the Federal Government to first ensure the safe return and resettlement of IDPs.

Their position was summed up in the phrase: “peace must precede policy.”

They also demanded genuine consultation with communities, consent from host communities and appropriate compensation before any ranching project begins.

Ranching should be voluntary

Agbecha reiterated that opposition to the proposed programme should not be interpreted as opposition to ranching itself.

“We are not against modern ranching, but it must be voluntary, community-driven and must not displace food production,” he said.

He appealed to residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding while assuring them that the socio-cultural organisations would continue discussions with the relevant authorities.

“Benue is the food basket of the nation. For Nigeria to be food secure, Benue farmers must first be secure on their land,” Agbecha added.

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