Tiv diaspora group opposes federal government ranching pilot in Benue State

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, plans to implement this policy by rehabilitating grazing reserves and establishing modern ranching settlements in five states, including Benue, to address conflicts between farmers and herders. However, the Tiv group, along with others like the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests, Makurdi Diocese, and the Peoples Democratic Party, has rejected this proposal. In a statement signed by its President, Prof Akaa Ayangeakaa, and Secretary, Prof Joseph Zume, the Mutual Union of Tiv in America called for the suspension of the proposed grazing reserve in Benue State.

The group highlighted over a decade of attacks, loss of life, destruction of property, and mass displacement in Benue communities due to violent herdsmen attacks. They argue that establishing a federal ranching pilot without first resolving the displacement crisis, restoring affected communities to their lands, guaranteeing their security, and obtaining meaningful public consent is deeply concerning. The group emphasized that the government's responsibility is to secure its people and protect their land rights, not introduce policies that could exacerbate fears of dispossession.

They demanded further explanation on the selectio