Benue Tribal Leaders have rejected the Federal Government proposed Pilot cattle ranching in Benue state.In a statement signed on their behave by the President of Mzough – U- Tiv, Chief Edward Ujege , and made available to The Nation stated that while they agreed ranching is the best method of animal husbandry globally , they rejected the used of public funds to construct ranches for a private business of cattle cattle rearing.
The group also reiterated their called for the arrest and prosecution of Miyetti Allah Kaul Hore for their complicity in Benue killings.
The state reads thus: Our attention has been brought to a publication in several national dailies concerning the establishment of pilot cattle ranches in 10 states of the country including Benue.
The proposed project which has a 10 year plan is estimated to gulp N179 billion and N70 is to be sourced by the Federal Government to commence the project.
While we appreciate the position of the Federal Government to accept ranching as the global best method of animal’s husbandry, which has been our position in Benue State, we reject the idea by the FG to use public funds to construct ranches for a private business of cattle rearing.
We wish to state that cattle rearing remains a private business in the world and Nigeria in particular just like crop farming and should be treated as such.
There is a law on Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment enacted by the Benue State government and the law makes explicit provisions for those interested in the business of rearing cattle to come forward, acquire land and build ranches.
These herders will also have to abide by the terms and conditions of the land acquisition and the host communities will also have a sense of belonging.
As we reaffirm our support and stance for this law and all its provisions, we view the attempt by the Federal Government to build ranches for herders in our state as a grand plan to grab our land and give it to herdsmen in the name of ranches.
We wish to also reiterate our earlier call on the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore for their complicity in the Benue killings.
If these people are not arrested and interrogated for threatening to invade our communities and carrying out their threats, we will continue to treat both the Federal Government and our killers as one.
Courtesy: THE NATION
It baffles me how this govt. is planning to use public funds for this. clearly a particular ethnic group is more important than the rest of the country.