Benue youths spit fire over Buhari’s approval of ruga settlements in Otukpo, Tarka, Ukum

Traditional leaders and stakeholders in Benue have been called upon to reject the plan by the Federal Government to establish ‘Ruga settlements’ for Fulani herdsmen in the state.

The Benue Youth Alliance, a civil society organization, which made the call on Tuesday, appealed to Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, the Och-Idoma, HRM Elias Obekpa and the Omi-Ny’Igede as well as the three senators representing the state at the National Assembly to jointly stand with the state government on rejecting the veil plan.

Earlier, Governor Samuel Ortom had reiterated that Benue State had no land for grazing reserves, grazing routes, cattle colonies or ruga settlements.

He said that the State only has land for the establishment of ranches.

In a statement by Terver Akase, his Chief Press Secretary, the Governor stated that Benue people would embrace the policy only if it supports implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017.

The statement added, “It has become necessary to make the position of the government and people of Benue State abundantly clear on the Ruga settlements for herdsmen being implemented by the Federal Government across the states including Benue.

“A few weeks ago, the Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture with his team in Benue State informed officials of the State Ministry of Agriculture that he had received directives from the Ministry’s headquarters Abuja to establish Ruga which means ‘Fulani settlement’ in parts of the State.

“The Director stated that the local government areas selected for the Ruga settlements were Otukpo, Tarka and Ukum.”

Reacting, Iorliam Shija, the Coordinator of the Benue Youth Alliance said the proposal would not be accepted by the people.

He told newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday that “In 2017 , Ortom stood almost alone, but now, all stakeholders must as a matter of urgency stand with Ortom and ensure that he does not become a scapegoat,” he said.

Shija further called on leaders of thought in the state to convene a Benue summit and engage with the president and advise him to shelve the idea.