Socio-cultural organisations in Benue State have kicked against Federal Government’s decision to spend 170 billion naira of public funds, to construct ranches for what they describe as the ‘private business of cattle rearing.’
The groups led by the President General of Mzough U Tiv, Edward Ujege; President General, Omi Nyi’Igede, Ben Opka; and President, Idoma National Forum, Amali Odoya Amali; also rejected the push for the actualisation of grazing routes and cattle colonies.
While applauding federal government’s recognition of ranching as the global standard for animal farming, the groups said they were strongly against the use of public funds.
They reminded the government of the extent Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment 2017 law, in Benue state that makes provisions for acquisition of land for ranches.
In a related development, the women’s leader of Amakohia-Ubi, in Owerri West Local Council of Imo State, Mrs Betty Uneze, has threatened that women in the area would fight with the last drop of their blood if the herdsmen refuse to leave their community.
Uneze was speaking on the heels of a protest by women in the area on Wednesday to the government house over the activities of herdsmen in their communities.
She said the women will deploy all means at their disposal should the complaint they lodged with the state government fail to get the desired attention.
Image Credit: Guardian
