Tiv Diaspora Rejects FG Ranching Plan for Benue, Demands Return of Displaced Communities

The Mutual Union of Tiv in America (MUTA) has rejected the Federal Government’s decision to include Benue State in the pilot implementation of its National Ranching Policy, joining a growing chorus of opposition to the proposed programme in the state.

The development follows the Federal Government’s announcement that it plans to rehabilitate grazing reserves and establish integrated livestock communities in selected locations considered major flashpoints of farmer-herder conflicts. The initiative is being promoted as part of efforts to replace long-distance cattle movement with more settled and commercially oriented ranching.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, announced the pilot locations after briefing President Bola Tinubu on the activities of his ministry on August 11, 2026. Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Adamawa states, alongside the Federal Capital Territory, were identified for the initial intervention because of their history of farmer-herder conflicts.

According to the Federal Government, the broader plan involves rehabilitating 417 grazing reserves and transforming them into integrated livestock communities. The proposed settlements are expected to provide pasture, water, veterinary services and other infrastructure, while reducing the movement of large cattle herds through farming communities.

Maiha has argued that the traditional system of nomadic livestock production has become increasingly difficult to sustain because grazing routes have been affected by agricultural expansion, urbanisation and infrastructure development. The government therefore believes that providing feed and water within designated locations could reduce the clashes associated with livestock movement.

However, MUTA says Benue should not be included in the pilot programme under the circumstances currently prevailing in the state. In a statement signed by its President, Prof. Akaa Ayangeakaa, and Secretary, Prof. Joseph Zume, the organisation said it had reached the decision following an emergency meeting.

The Tiv organisation pointed to the prolonged violence and displacement suffered by communities across Benue, arguing that the government’s immediate priority should be restoring security and returning displaced residents to their ancestral homes. MUTA said many people displaced by attacks remain in Internally Displaced Persons camps and other difficult living conditions.

The group consequently called on the Federal Government to suspend the proposed grazing reserve in Benue and urged the state government, traditional institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations and elected representatives to pursue lawful and democratic measures to protect the land rights of affected communities.

MUTA’s objection adds to opposition already expressed by other groups and individuals in Benue. The Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests Association, Makurdi Diocese, and the Peoples Democratic Party have also been reported as rejecting the proposal, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding land, security and livestock policy in the state.

The disagreement highlights a fundamental challenge facing the Federal Government’s ranching initiative: while Abuja presents ranching as a strategy for reducing farmer-herder clashes and developing the livestock economy, opponents in Benue are concerned about land ownership, the fate of displaced farmers and the need for meaningful consultation. The success of the policy in the state is therefore likely to depend not only on the provision of ranching infrastructure but also on security, transparency, consultation and confidence among affected communities.