President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown his weight behind the establishment of a ranching system in Benue State as a strategic measure to resolve the persistent clashes between farmers and herders in the region.
The President, who made the commitment during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Makurdi on Wednesday, directed the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Muktar, to work closely with the Benue State Government to implement the initiative.
“As the Minister of Livestock is here, we will establish ranch in Benue. Give me land,” Tinubu stated.
He emphasised that finding a lasting solution to the crisis must begin with addressing its root causes and fostering mutual understanding among communities.
“For us in Nigeria, we have to find solution to the main source of the conflict. If we learn how to share and how to accommodate, we have enough land to raise our children, we have enough land to cultivate. We must do it,” he said.
The President called for the formation of a leadership committee to drive the peace process, instructing Governor Hyacinth Alia to ensure the inclusion of traditional rulers such as the Tor Tiv and the Ochi Idoma.
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“Let us find a way to form committee of elders. The committee will comprise those who have governed the state before, and the committee will find permanent accommodation,” he said.
President Tinubu reassured the people of Benue of his government’s resolve to restore peace and turn the ongoing tragedy into economic opportunity.
“People of Benue deserve peace the peace as the Tor Tiv mentioned. Let us fight our enemies together and not fight ourselves. I assure you, I will partner with the Benue government to turn the tragedy to economic opportunities. We can turn this economic tragedy,” he added.
He also urged citizens to rally behind Governor Alia during this critical period, stressing that unity and support for state leadership were vital in achieving progress.
“The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. Political enemies don’t want you to succeed. I just want to appeal to Benue people: it is a critical time. The government needs your help. Let us set up a committee of non-indigenes,” he said.
Tinubu further highlighted the importance of strong leadership, tolerance and collaboration in overcoming the region’s challenges and securing lasting peace.
“We can shake off the backwardness, yes we can. But key to this is that let us look at our anthem again. A key anthem in it is that we want to hand over a banner without stain. Then we must work towards that. I am ready to work with you towards that,” the President concluded.
