The Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese, has kicked against the Federal Government’s decision to include Benue State among the locations selected for the pilot implementation of the National Ranching Policy.
The Catholic priests expressed concern that introducing the programme in the state without extensive consultation with the Benue State Government, traditional institutions and affected communities could worsen existing tensions over land, security and displacement.
The association’s position came after the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, announced that the Federal Government had selected five states, alongside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to participate in the pilot phase of its national ranching initiative.
While the government has presented ranching as part of its strategy for addressing challenges in the livestock sector, the NCDPA said Benue’s peculiar circumstances should not be overlooked.
In a statement issued by the association and signed by its Chairman, Rev. Fr. Joseph Beba, the priests described Benue as an “already bleeding and targeted state,” stressing that the state has continued to grapple with insecurity, killings, displacement and destruction of communities.
The priests questioned the process through which Benue was selected, particularly the alleged absence of meaningful consultation with the state’s elected leadership.
They argued that any policy involving land, livestock production or the relocation of displaced communities should be discussed openly with those who would be directly affected.
“Had the elected leadership of Benue State been genuinely consulted, we believe it would never have consented to any arrangement capable of undermining the rights, dignity, security and ancestral heritage of our people,” the association stated.
According to the NCDPA, the current situation in Benue makes the state unsuitable for the hurried introduction of a policy that could place additional pressure on available land.
The association noted that many residents have already lost their homes and farmlands as a result of insecurity and are living in internally displaced persons’ camps or other temporary settlements.
It argued that the government’s immediate responsibility should be to restore security and enable displaced residents to return to their communities before embarking on any arrangement that could affect land ownership or access.
The priests warned against any possibility of ranching becoming a vehicle for taking over community land or creating permanent settlements without the consent of indigenous residents.
“Ranching must not become a disguised instrument for land grabbing, forced occupation or the permanent displacement of indigenous communities,” the statement warned.
The NCDPA also challenged the suitability of commercial ranching in Benue, describing the state as predominantly agrarian.
Farming remains central to the livelihood of many Benue residents, with communities depending heavily on access to agricultural land for food production and income.
Against this background, the priests said any attempt to allocate large portions of land for commercial ranching could have serious consequences for local farmers.
“Ranching in Benue State is therefore not viable, and we reject this project idea with all legal and spiritual resources,” the association declared.
The priests further maintained that the issue should not be viewed simply as a disagreement over livestock development.
They said it was fundamentally connected to the rights of communities to their ancestral territories and the ability of residents to live and farm without fear of displacement.
“Our land is not for sale and has never been on sale,” the statement said.
The association insisted that there should be no arrangement under which Benue’s ancestral lands would be treated as freely available for commercial ranching without the consent and participation of the communities concerned.
It added: “Our ancestral homes are not bargaining chips. Our people must return home. Benue must not be enslaved through policy.”
The priests also praised the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, for his continued advocacy on issues affecting the people of Benue.
The NCDPA described the bishop as a consistent voice against injustice and commended his opposition to measures which, in the association’s view, could place the ancestral lands and security of Benue residents at risk.
The association stressed that its position was driven by concerns about the welfare of ordinary residents, particularly farmers and displaced families whose livelihoods depend on access to their ancestral communities.
It argued that government policies should strengthen the security and economic prospects of affected communities rather than introduce arrangements capable of generating fresh disputes.
The priests therefore urged the Federal Government to halt any move towards implementing the ranching programme in Benue until proper consultations had taken place.
They called for the state government, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations and other relevant stakeholders to be involved in discussions about any livestock development initiative proposed for the state.
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The NCDPA said such engagement would provide an opportunity for the government to understand the concerns of communities and develop policies that do not undermine existing land rights.
Another major demand by the association was the safe return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral communities.
The priests argued that residents who were forced to abandon their homes because of violence should be prioritised in government’s efforts before new land-use arrangements are introduced.
They called for the restoration of security in affected communities and the reopening of access to farmlands so that displaced residents could rebuild their lives and resume productive activities.
The association maintained that the constitutional rights of Benue residents must be respected in the implementation of any national livestock policy.
It urged the Federal Government to reconsider the decision to include the state in the pilot ranching programme and instead focus on initiatives that would protect lives, secure communities and restore confidence among residents.
The NCDPA warned that imposing a land-related policy on communities already experiencing insecurity could deepen mistrust and create additional social tensions.
It consequently called for a more transparent and inclusive approach to livestock development, insisting that the concerns of indigenous communities must be addressed before any implementation begins.
“There is no going back on this as long as we still draw breath,” the priests declared, signalling their determination to continue opposing any policy they believe could compromise the land rights, dignity and security of Benue residents.
The association reaffirmed that Benue’s ancestral lands should remain protected and that displaced residents must be assisted to return home safely.
It urged the Federal Government to pursue solutions that promote peaceful coexistence, protect farmers and livestock producers alike, and respect the legitimate interests of communities.
For the Catholic priests, the central issue is not opposition to livestock development itself but the manner and location in which such a policy is implemented.
They maintained that development initiatives must not come at the expense of the ancestral heritage, security or livelihoods of the people whose communities are directly affected.
The NCDPA therefore appealed for dialogue, consultation and respect for existing land rights, while urging authorities to make the safe return of displaced Benue residents a priority.
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