Benue governor rejects federal government’s ranching plan, says state’s land not for herders

Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia has firmly rejected the federal government's proposed national ranching plan, asserting that no portion of the state's land will be ceded for herders without explicit consent. This decision underscores a significant divergence in approach to land use and herder-farmer conflicts between the state administration and federal authorities.

Governor Alia emphasized that any such allocation would require the agreement of both the state government and the people of Benue. This position reflects deep-seated concerns within the state regarding land rights and security, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions related to pastoralist activities.

The governor's rejection signals a potential standoff, as the federal government promotes its ranching initiative as a solution to farmer-herder clashes. Benue, like several other states, has grappled with the consequences of these conflicts, and its stance suggests a preference for state-controlled solutions over federally mandated ones.

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his administration will not allow any part of the state to be ceded for ranching without the consent of the government and the people.