Benue Groups, Clergy Reject FG’s Ranching Plan, Demand IDP Resettlement, Consultation

Socio-cultural organizations from Benue State have voiced strong conditions for supporting the federal government's proposed national ranching initiative. Under the umbrella of Mdzough U Tiv, Ochetoha ‘k Idoma, and Omi Ny’Igede, the groups stated their support is contingent upon the resettlement of over 500,000 individuals displaced by herdsmen activities and the implementation of robust security measures across the state.

Speaking in Makurdi, Air Commodore Titus Agbecha (rtd), Chairman of the organization, described the federal government's announcement of ranch establishment, with Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau states as pilot schemes, as a matter of grave concern. While acknowledging ranching as a modern practice beneficial for reducing farmer-herder conflicts and improving food security, Agbecha highlighted the critical realities in Benue.

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We currently have over 500,000 Benue people living in Internally Displaced Persons’ camps across Benue State. They 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.

"We currently have over 500,000 Benue people living in Internally Displaced Persons’ camps across Benue State. They 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," Agbecha stated. He pointed out that for over five years, communities have been under siege, with villages attacked, occupied, and residents killed or forced to flee, yet there has been no comprehensive mediation, justice, or resettlement.

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Peace must precede policy. Dialogue and consent are quite essential. Any ranching program must be done through proper consultation, consent, and compensation with host communities. Land is a sensitive issue and cannot be imposed.

The groups warned that establishing ranches under the current circumstances would be perceived as rewarding violence and dispossession. They stressed that Benue, as the nation's food basket, faces immense pressure on its land due to rapid population growth and the need for agricultural production. Any program involving large-scale land acquisition must not jeopardize food security.

They called on the federal government to prioritize the safe return and resettlement of all internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes before initiating any pilot schemes. Furthermore, they demanded genuine mediation, security for lives, and the restoration of occupied communities, asserting that "Peace must precede policy." The organizations emphasized that ranching programs must be conducted through proper consultation, consent, and compensation with host communities, as land is a sensitive issue that cannot be imposed. They reiterated their support for modern ranching, provided it is voluntary, community-driven, and does not negatively impact food production.

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Benue is the food basket of the nation. For Nigeria to be food secure, Benue farmers must first be secure on their lands.