Controversy over proposed construction of Fulani colony in Benue

Benue State finds itself at the center of a heated debate as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the state government engage in a war of words over the alleged proposed establishment of a Fulani colony in the region. The dispute was sparked by Vice President Kashim Shetima’s announcement of plans to construct 1,000 houses across various states, including Benue, to accommodate the Fulani community.

PDP’s Strong Opposition: The PDP in Benue State, represented by its Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, has expressed deep concern about the proposed establishment of Fulani colonies, describing it as a matter of “deathly serious nature.” They have vowed that the people of Benue State will vehemently reject this proposal. It’s worth noting that the state had previously rejected similar policies proposed by the federal government during the tenure of Samuel Ortom as governor.

In a statement issued by Iortyom and shared with journalists in Makurdi, the PDP called on the current state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, to take immediate action to have Benue State removed from the list of states designated for these colonies. The party argues that Benue State lacks a peer-to-peer basis for inclusion, as it does not have a substantial indigenous Fulani population with land holdings. In contrast, other selected states have existing Fulani communities, making it potentially feasible to establish such colonies.

Iortyom stated, “Benue has no such indigenous Fulani population with land holdings where such a colony could be established. Secondly, it is unjust and ultimately insensitive to have a colony established for the Fulani with all the facilities for modern living in a state where victims of the genocidal atrocities committed by those same Fulani are still displaced from their lands and means of livelihood, living in sub-human conditions in camps reminiscent of the concentration camps of Nazi Germany during World War II.”

Governor’s Denial: In response, Governor Hyacinth Alia refuted claims that the state government had agreed to the establishment of a Fulani colony in Benue. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kulas, Governor Alia dismissed the report as false and urged the public to disregard it.

Kula clarified, “It is a burning desire of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the present administration to return the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to their homes as soon as possible. However, since most of their houses have been destroyed by gun-carrying marauding herders, the federal government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has agreed to sponsor the reconstruction of new homes for our Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).”