Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has declared that his administration will not allow any portion of the state to be ceded for ranching without the consent of the government and the people.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with stakeholders from the Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Federal Constituency, Alia said no external authority would force Benue to surrender its land for pastoral activities.
The governor’s position comes amid the Federal Government’s proposed ranching programme, under which Benue has been listed among states involved in the pilot phase.
Alia said the state would resist any attempt to impose ranching arrangements on its territory without the consent of its people.
The issue is particularly sensitive in Benue, where clashes between farmers and herders have contributed to deaths, displacement and prolonged insecurity.
The governor also announced additional security measures for parts of the state, including plans for military operational units in Agu, Anyiin and Azendeshi, as well as the provision of motorcycles to security agencies for improved patrols.
The Federal Government has promoted ranching as part of broader efforts to address the farmer-herder crisis and move away from open grazing.
Alia’s latest comments indicate that implementation in Benue will remain politically sensitive and dependent on consultations with the state government and affected communities.