By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The leadership of Masev Development Association, MDA, from Gwer-East local government area of Benue State led by Prof. Agaji Iorshase, President General, has on behalf of the Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and the entire membership of the association strongly condemned the proposed takeover of Raav Cattle Ranch by the Federal Ministry of Livestock for the purpose of ranching.
In strongly worded statement signed by the Association’s President General and Secretary, Prof. Agaji Iorshase and Moses Iorjaa, MDA categorically reject the takeover move.
“We view this move as an act of land grabbing and a covert attempt to reintroduce the discredited Ruga initiative. The Federal Government should focus on addressing the insecurity plaguing Benue State by eliminating bandits and violent herders, thereby allowing displaced crop farmers to return to their lands”.
Ranching, MDA pointed out in the statement, “is a private enterprise, and the Federal Government has no justification for forcefully acquiring land for such ventures”.
According to the statement, “the situation in Raav Cattle Ranch is deeply concerning. Crop farmers have been displaced due to the destructive activities of herders”.
“Terrorists have taken control of the area as result, leaving residents in a constant state of fear. Instead of exacerbating the problem with policies that favor one group at the expense of the indigenous people, the government should prioritize restoring peace and security”, the statement pointed out.
MDA in the statement called on the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia and his administration to unequivocally distance themselves from the Federal Ministry of Livestock’s plans, particularly concerning the acquisition of Raav Cattle Ranch, adding that, “the people of Benue State must not be shortchanged or subjected to policies that undermine their rights and livelihood”.
