CAN rejects proposed Federal Government pilot ranching programme in Benue

The Benue State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed the proposed pilot ranching programme proposed by the Federal Government in the state. Acting CAN chairman, Rev. Jonathan Terwase Ugbede, revealed the decision in Makurdi, citing a lack of available land in Benue to accommodate the initiative. The Christian leader expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government's decision, as land was already insufficient to cater to Benue's burgeoning population, making it implausible to allocate ancestral lands to the Federal Government for the ranching programme.

He criticized the government's intention to seize ancestral lands of people residing in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and convert them into ranches using public funds. Ugbede questioned why the government seemed unwilling to prioritize the return of displaced individuals to their ancestral homes to regain their lands, while opting to pursue the pilot ranching programme.

Despite his criticism, Rev. Ugbede acknowledged the government's establishment of the 5 Division of the Nigerian Army in the state to tackle security issues. He viewed the move as commendable, capable of addressing insurgency and fostering peace and development in the region.