The Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese, has rejected the Federal Government’s decision to include Benue State in the pilot implementation of the National Ranching Policy.
The association described the move as unacceptable and a potential threat to the ancestral lands of the people.
This was contained in a statement signed by its Chairman, Revd. Fr. Joseph Terfa Beba, which expressed concern over what it described as the apparent exclusion of the Benue State Government from the decision-making process leading to the policy.
According to the NCDPA, Benue, which has suffered prolonged insecurity, killings, displacement and destruction of communities, should not be subjected to any policy that could result in land grabbing, forced occupation or permanent displacement of indigenous communities.
The association said ranching should not be introduced in the state without transparent consultation with the state government, traditional rulers and affected communities.
The priests also demanded that displaced Benue residents be enabled to return safely and reclaim their ancestral lands before discussions are held on existing or proposed ranching structures.
The NCDPA further declared that Benue is predominantly an agrarian state and argued that commercial ranching is not viable in the state.
The association reaffirmed its support for the position of the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, who has consistently spoken against policies it considers threats to the ancestral lands and security of Benue people.
“Our land is not for sale and has never been on sale,” the association declared, insisting that the ancestral homes of Benue people must not become bargaining chips in government policy.
The NCDPA called on the Federal Government to respect the constitutional rights of Benue people and engage relevant stakeholders before proceeding with any ranching initiative in the state.