Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured residents that the Federal Government will not force the state or its people to accept cattle ranching against their wishes.
Alia gave the assurance while addressing concerns over the Federal Government’s planned pilot ranching program in the state, which has generated public interest and raised questions among residents about its possible impact on communities, farmers and livestock production.
The governor said the people of Benue had already made their position on ranching known, stressing that his administration would continue to protect their interests and ensure that government programmes were carried out in line with the wishes of the people.
According to him, there was no plan by the Federal Government to impose cattle ranching on the state.
“The Federal Government is not forcing the state to have cow ranching. Nobody is forcing anything on anybody at any stage of this,” Alia said.
The clarification is coming against the background of the long-running disagreement between farmers and herders in parts of Benue and other states, particularly over open grazing, land use and the movement of cattle through farming communities.
Benue has for years been at the centre of the debate over how to manage livestock production and reduce clashes between farmers and herders. The state government introduced the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in 2017, popularly known as the anti-open grazing law.
The law prohibits open grazing and seeks to promote ranching as a more organised method of livestock production. However, the issue remains politically and socially sensitive because of the history of attacks and disputes involving farmers and herders.
Alia’s latest comments appear aimed at calming concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed pilot programme and preventing residents from drawing conclusions before the details of the initiative are fully explained.
The governor also sought to correct what he described as a possible misunderstanding of the word “ranching”.
He said the term should not automatically be interpreted to mean cattle ranching alone, noting that Benue has other livestock that could also be developed into profitable businesses.
According to him, goats and sheep are also important livestock in the state and could form part of a wider livestock development programme.
Alia therefore suggested that the proposed initiative should be considered within the broader context of livestock development rather than being immediately understood as a plan to establish cattle ranches in the state.
The governor urged residents to seek proper information from the relevant authorities before reacting to announcements concerning the programme.
He warned that acting on assumptions or circulating information without understanding the actual details could create unnecessary tension in a state where the issue of land, farming and livestock has remained highly sensitive.
“This is a people-oriented government, and everything we are doing must be people-directed,” he said.
The governor’s position also reflects the wider challenge facing governments at both federal and state levels in finding a lasting solution to farmer-herder conflicts.
For many communities in Benue, farming is the main source of livelihood, while livestock production remains important to the national economy. Disputes often arise when cattle move into farmlands, destroy crops or compete with farmers for access to land and water.
Supporters of ranching argue that keeping cattle in designated areas can reduce clashes, improve livestock production and make it easier for herders to access veterinary care, water and other services. Critics, however, have raised concerns about land acquisition, ownership and the possible effect of ranches on local communities.
The Federal Government has, over time, promoted ranching and other livestock development measures as part of efforts to address farmer-herder conflicts and modernise animal production.
The pilot programme planned for Benue has therefore attracted attention because of the state’s experience with farmer-herder violence and its existing legal framework against open grazing.
Alia’s latest clarification is likely to be important in the public debate because it places emphasis on consultation and the wishes of residents rather than imposing a particular livestock model on the state.
The governor maintained that his administration would continue to protect the interests of the people while supporting programmes that could improve economic opportunities and strengthen peace in the state.
He also urged residents to avoid unnecessary reactions to information that had not been properly explained, saying clarification was important before forming opinions about government policies.
Benue has faced several security challenges linked to attacks on farming communities in recent years, with disputes over land and grazing rights often contributing to tensions between communities.
The state government has repeatedly called for peaceful coexistence while insisting that the rights of farmers and residents must be protected.
The governor’s statement therefore seeks to draw a line between the Federal Government’s broader livestock development plans and any suggestion that cattle ranching would be imposed on Benue communities.
For now, Alia said the key issue should be ensuring that any programme introduced in the state is people-centred, properly explained and implemented with the interests of residents in mind.
He maintained that the government would continue to engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that policies affecting Benue were understood by the people and did not create unnecessary tension.
The governor’s assurance is expected to shape further discussions on the proposed pilot programme as the Federal Government and the state government work to clarify its scope, objectives and implementation.
For residents, the central question remains how livestock production can be improved without threatening farmlands, livelihoods and community peace.
Alia’s message is that whatever model is eventually adopted must take the people along and should not be forced on them.