Ebenezer Christian Relief Initiative Reject FG Ranching Plan, Demand Security Before Implementation

…Say recent attacks claimed over 100 lives

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Ebenezer Christian Relief Initiative has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed pilot ranching programme in Benue State, insisting that the initiative should be suspended until security improves, displaced residents return safely to their communities and meaningful consultations are held with stakeholders.

The chairman of the initiative, Rev. Akpen Leva, stated this on Thursday during a press briefing in Makurdi, where he warned that implementing the programme under the prevailing security conditions could heighten tensions and worsen the plight of communities affected by persistent attacks.

Leva said the group was not opposed to lawful livestock development but maintained that any ranching policy must respect the rights of landowners, farming communities, existing state laws and the constitutional rights of residents.

He said, “As Christian leaders and advocates for peace, justice and human dignity, we believe that any policy affecting our people must take into account their safety, constitutional rights, existing laws and lived realities.”

According to him, recent attacks in Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas reportedly claimed more than 100 lives, including four mobile police personnel, while property worth millions of naira was destroyed.

The cleric reiterated the group’s opposition to the proposed programme under the present circumstances, declaring that Benue communities should not be compelled to surrender their ancestral lands for ranching.

“We do not have land in Benue to give for ranching,” he said, stressing that any policy affecting land and livelihoods must be developed through transparent consultations with the state government, traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers and other relevant stakeholders.

Leva expressed solidarity with Governor Hyacinth Alia, commending him for reportedly maintaining during his recent thank-you tour that no land was available in the state for the proposed pilot ranching programme.

He urged the governor to remain firm in protecting the interests of Benue residents while pursuing lawful and peaceful approaches to addressing the state’s security and development challenges.

He on the Federal Government to engage the state government in meaningful dialogue and ensure that any livestock development initiative introduced in Benue complied with existing laws and reflected the wishes of affected communities.

Lamenting the humanitarian consequences of insecurity, Leva said repeated attacks had claimed lives, destroyed homes and farmlands, and deprived residents of their livelihoods, forcing many to flee their ancestral communities.

He said about 10 local government areas had been affected, with some communities becoming inaccessible to their original inhabitants because of insecurity.

The cleric noted that displaced persons urgently needed food, shelter, healthcare, clean water and other essential services. He urged governments at all levels to take practical measures to restore security and facilitate the safe and voluntary return of displaced residents.

Leva also expressed concern over alleged discrepancies between casualty figures released by security agencies and accounts provided by eyewitnesses and affected communities following attacks in the state.

While acknowledging the difficulties associated with gathering and verifying information during security operations, he said accurate and transparent casualty reporting was essential for public confidence, accountability and justice.

He called on security agencies to provide timely and credible updates, clearly distinguishing between confirmed deaths, injured persons, missing persons and cases yet to be verified.

The chairman further urged impartial investigations whenever significant discrepancies emerged, while appealing to media organisations to verify casualty figures and other security-related information before publication.

He cautioned against suppressing credible information or disregarding the experiences of victims, adding that responsible journalism should promote accountability without exaggeration, inflammatory language or the circulation of unverified claims.

Leva also called on traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders, religious institutions and civil society organisations to work together to address the insecurity threatening communities across the state.

He advocated stronger security measures, improved early-warning systems, effective implementation of existing laws and greater cooperation among stakeholders to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable communities.

Describing the situation as a threat to the identity, faith and ancestral heritage of affected communities, the cleric urged stakeholders to unite against violence and actions that could lead to further displacement and loss of land.

He appealed to the international community, humanitarian organisations and Nigerians at home and abroad to support affected communities through humanitarian assistance, documentation of abuses and advocacy for justice and accountability.

The initiative reiterated its call on the Federal Government to suspend the proposed pilot ranching programme until security was restored, displaced residents could safely return to their communities and meaningful consultations with relevant stakeholders were concluded.

Leva maintained that protecting lives, property, farmlands and ancestral homes must take precedence over any livestock development initiative, adding that sustainable solutions to Benue’s challenges must be anchored on respect for existing laws, community rights and lasting peace.

Also speaking after the briefing, members of the initiative, Bishop Mike Angou, Dr Abigail Gire and Rev Jonathan Terkaa, urged the Federal Government to take decisive action to end the prolonged killings and insecurity in Benue State.

Angou expressed concern that the interests of certain groups appeared to be receiving greater protection than the lives of affected communities. He urged the government to prioritise citizens’ safety over commercial interests, warning that continued insecurity would prevent displaced residents from returning to their farms, undermine agricultural production and worsen food shortages.

Gire urged the Federal Government to implement Benue State’s existing law prohibiting open grazing and promoting ranching rather than introducing new arrangements. She argued that the existing legislation should first be implemented and strengthened where necessary before alternative measures were considered.

Terkaa, a religious leader from Kwande Local Government Area, said insecurity had displaced residents from communities stretching from the Anyiase area to Jor Wata for 16 years, preventing them from returning home and engaging in farming.

He expressed concern that the proposed ranching programme could be established in areas from which original inhabitants had been displaced by attacks, warning that such plans should not proceed without addressing the plight and rights of affected communities.