Three community associations in Benue State, Nigeria, have jointly condemned the state government’s decision to hand over the RAAV Livestock Breeding Centre to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. The associations, namely RAAV Development Association (RADA), Udam Community Development Association Makurdi, and Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA), argue that this decision was made without consulting the Raav community, who donated the land for the centre’s establishment.
According to RADA’s press release, the state government’s action is “unjustifiable” and violates the community’s rights. The association demands that the government should instead stock the facility with Tiv cows to benefit the Benue people. Udam Community Development Association also emphasized that cattle ranching is a private business and should not be imposed on the RAAV land, citing the existing anti-open grazing law.
FoTA, in its press release, condemned the state government’s refusal to acknowledge the centre’s location in Gwer West LGA and its attempt to transfer it to the federal government for ranching purposes without addressing the insecurity issues in the area. The association rejects the transfer, citing documentary evidence that proves the centre’s historical ownership and location.
The three associations are calling on the state and federal governments to intervene in the security situation in Gwer West LGA, provide relief materials, and resettle displaced persons. They insist that the RAAV Livestock Breeding Centre should not be used for ranching purposes, but rather for the betterment of the Benue people.
