The Mutual Union of Tiv in America (MUTA) has called on the Federal Government to reconsider Benue State’s inclusion in the National Ranching pilot programme, citing concerns over the security and land rights of displaced communities.
MUTA made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday in Makurdi and jointly signed by its President, Prof. Akaa Ayangeakaa, and Executive Committee Chairman, Prof. Joseph Zume.
The union said communities across Benue had endured years of violent attacks, killings, destruction of homes and farmlands, as well as mass displacement associated with herders’ attacks.
According to the association, many displaced residents have yet to return to their ancestral communities and continue to live under difficult conditions in internally displaced persons’ camps.
MUTA argued that national unity must be anchored on justice, stressing that economic policies should respect the security, dignity and ancestral rights of affected communities.
It urged the Federal Government to prioritise the security of vulnerable communities, facilitate the safe return of displaced persons and protect their land rights before implementing any ranching initiative in the state.
The union also questioned the criteria used to select states for the pilot programme, calling for greater transparency and consultation with affected communities and stakeholders.
It further sought clarification on the ownership and management structure of the proposed ranches, as well as the source and legal status of the land to be used for the projects.
MUTA expressed concern that lands belonging to displaced communities could be regarded as vacant and subsequently allocated for ranching because their owners had been forced from their ancestral homes.
“Displacement does not extinguish ownership; violence cannot become a pathway to land acquisition,” the association said.
The group consequently appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to suspend Benue’s participation in the pilot programme pending the safe return, rehabilitation, compensation and protection of displaced communities.
MUTA said modern ranching could still be promoted in locations where communities voluntarily accept such projects and where suitable land is legitimately and transparently allocated.
The association noted that Benue’s position as a major food-producing state makes access to farmland central to the livelihoods, economy and cultural heritage of its people.
It also urged the Benue State Government, traditional institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations and elected representatives to pursue lawful measures to safeguard the state’s ancestral lands.
