CAN rejects proposed Federal Government pilot ranching programme in Benue

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benue State has expressed its opposition to the proposed pilot ranching program initiated by the Federal Government.

In a statement made in Makurdi, Rev. Jonathan Terwase Ugbede, acting chairman of the association, highlighted concerns regarding land availability, stating that the state has limited land resources due to its growing population. Ugbede emphasized that it would be unreasonable to allocate ancestral lands to the Federal Government for the ranching initiative.

“Land has not been available anywhere in the state, and the Church in Benue does not accept the pilot ranching,” Ugbede said. He criticized government plans that appear to prioritize the ranching program while neglecting the rights of individuals living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

Ugbede raised particular concern over the implications of the program, warning that it could violate existing laws that prohibit open grazing and establish ranches as private enterprises. He asserted that public funds should not be utilized to seize land from residents, particularly those displaced from their homes.

The acting chairman further questioned the government’s reluctance to prioritize the resettlement of displaced individuals, urging officials to focus on returning them to their ancestral homes instead of pursuing the ranching initiative.

Despite his criticism of the ranching program, Ugbede commended the Tinubu administration for establishing the 5 Division of the Nigerian Army in Benue State. He described this move as a positive development for addressing security challenges, which he believes will help foster peace and development in the region.

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