Catholic priests reject FG’s ranching policy in Benue, warn against land grabbing

The Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese, has rejected the Federal Government’s decision to include Benue State in the pilot implementation of the National Ranching Policy, describing the move as unacceptable and a potential threat to the ancestral lands of indigenous communities.

The association made its position known in a statement signed by its Chairman, Revd. Fr. Joseph Terfa Beba, who expressed concern over what he described as the exclusion of the Benue State Government from the decision-making process surrounding the policy.

The NCDPA said Benue, which has endured years of insecurity, killings, displacement and destruction of communities, should not be subjected to any policy that could result in land grabbing, forced occupation or permanent displacement of its people.

The priests insisted that ranching should not be introduced in the state without transparent consultations involving the state government, traditional rulers and affected communities.

They also called for displaced Benue residents to be safely returned to their communities and allowed to reclaim their ancestral lands before discussions begin on existing or proposed ranching structures.

The association further argued that Benue is predominantly an agrarian state and questioned the viability of commercial ranching in the state.

The NCDPA reaffirmed its support for the position of the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, who has consistently raised concerns over policies it believes could threaten the ancestral lands and security of Benue residents.

“Our land is not for sale and has never been on sale,” the association declared, insisting that the ancestral homes of Benue people must not become bargaining chips in government policy.

The priests urged the Federal Government to respect the constitutional rights of Benue residents and engage the state government, traditional rulers and affected communities before proceeding with any ranching initiative in the state.