Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has moved to ease concerns surrounding the Federal Government’s proposed pilot ranching programme, assuring residents that cattle ranching will not be imposed on the state against their wishes.
Alia gave the assurance while speaking to journalists in Makurdi, following reactions to the inclusion of Benue among states selected for the Federal Government’s pilot livestock initiative. He urged residents to seek clarification about the policy rather than rely on assumptions or information circulating on social media.
The governor explained that the term “livestock” covers various animals, including goats, sheep and birds, and should not automatically be interpreted as a plan to establish cattle ranches in the state.
He said Benue already has a law prohibiting open grazing and stressed that the legislation remains in force.
“The Federal Government is not forcing the state to have cow ranching,” Alia said, adding that “nobody is forcing anything on anybody at any stage of this.”
According to the governor, the state has previously identified locations for livestock-related activities, but their existence does not mean cattle will necessarily be introduced into those areas.
Alia’s clarification is important because livestock policy remains a sensitive issue in Benue, where farmer-herder conflicts and debates over land use have generated significant tension. The state’s anti-open-grazing law has also remained a key part of its approach to managing conflicts between farmers and herders.
The governor said his administration would prioritise the interests of Benue residents and would not support any programme that undermines the state’s laws or threatens peace.
He also appealed to residents who are concerned about the Federal Government’s announcement to remain calm and direct their questions to relevant authorities.
The controversy comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to develop Nigeria’s livestock sector and promote ranching as an alternative to open grazing.
For Benue, however, the issue remains closely linked to agriculture, land ownership and security. Alia’s latest comments are expected to provide some reassurance while discussions continue over how the proposed livestock programme will be implemented.
