Benue civil society groups have rejected any attempt to impose ranching on the state, insisting that the security and safe return of over 500,000 displaced residents must come before any ranching agenda.
The groups, in a press statement read by Mr..Daniel Seer, Vice Chairman of the Benue NGO Network (BENGONET), on behalf of its Chairman, Mr. Lazarus Mom, said they were not opposed to lawful agricultural development, livestock production or private investment, but would resist any ranching arrangement introduced without due process, consultation and respect for existing laws.
They argued that it was unacceptable for discussions on ranching to gain momentum while thousands of Benue residents remained displaced from their ancestral homes, farms and communities as a result of years of attacks.
The groups also insisted that Benue’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law must be respected, stressing that anyone seeking to establish a ranch in the state must comply with the law rather than rely on political pressure or executive pronouncements.
They demanded broad consultation involving affected communities, landowners, traditional institutions, farmers, civil society, women and youth groups, local governments and other stakeholders before any land-use decision on ranching is taken.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Victor Ebo, Associate Director, Lawyers Alert, said BENGONET was not opposed to ranching but insisted that the principle of “do no harm” must guide the process.
Mr. Ebo said relevant stakeholders must be carried along in any ranching arrangement to ensure that “no one will be left behind.”
The groups further demanded guarantees that no land would be taken, allocated or designated for ranching without lawful authority, due process and respect for the rights of affected communities and lawful occupants.
They concluded with a blunt message to government: “Secure Benue. Resettle the displaced. Respect the law. Consult the people.”
