Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue
Hyacinth Alia has rejected the federal government ranching policy, insisting that no ranch will be established in the state without the consent of his administration and the people.
Nigeria is implementing a National Ranching Policy through the Ministry of Livestock Development, as part of plans to stop herders-farmers conflicts, which has led to killings and the displacement of communities in many states.
Benue is one of the six pilot states, including Plateau, Nassarawa, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, selected for the implementation of the policy.
Alia, who spoke on Tuesday at a town hall meeting with stakeholders from Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo federal constituency, said the people of Benue would resist any attempt by external forces to take their land for ranching.
“Nobody will force us to cede even an inch of our land to pastoralists for any purpose,” he said, adding “if that must happen, I can assure you, it will not be this time that I am still the governor of Benue.”
Alia also announced measures to strengthen security in Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo.
He said three military operational units would be established in the area under the newly created 5 Division of the Nigerian Army.
According to him, the units would be located in Agu, Katsina-Ala; Anyiin, Logo; and Azendeshi, Ukum.
The governor also announced the donation of 30 motorcycles to security agencies to improve patrols and their response to distress calls.
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