Mutual Union of Tiv in America opposes Benue ranching pilot

The Mutual Union of Tiv in America (MUTA) has called on the Nigerian Federal Government to suspend the inclusion of Benue State in the National Ranching pilot programme. The policy, announced by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, aims to establish modern ranching settlements in five states to mitigate clashes between herders and crop farmers.

MUTA, along with other groups such as the Makurdi Diocese and the Peoples Democratic Party, argues that the program ignores the security and ancestral rights of local communities. The union highlighted that Benue has faced a decade of violent attacks, killings, and mass displacement. They expressed concern that land belonging to displaced persons might be incorrectly classified as vacant and incorporated into the ranching project.

The association urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the safe return, rehabilitation, and compensation of displaced communities before implementing ranching initiatives. They also requested transparency regarding the selection criteria for pilot states and clarification on land ownership and operational control of the proposed ranches.