Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has urged residents to remain calm over the Federal Government’s proposed pilot ranching programme, assuring them that the initiative will not be imposed on the state.
The governor said his administration would not support any federal policy that disregards the wishes and interests of the people, stressing that Benue residents would have a say in programmes affecting them.
Alia made the clarification while addressing concerns generated by the proposed ranching initiative, insisting that the Federal Government had no intention of compelling the state to adopt cattle ranching.
“The Federal Government is not forcing the state to have cow ranching. Nobody is forcing anything on anybody at any stage of this,” he said.
The governor also urged residents and stakeholders to broaden their understanding of ranching, arguing that the concept should not be restricted to cattle production.
According to him, livestock such as goats and sheep could equally be incorporated into livestock development programmes and provide economic opportunities for people across the state.
Alia said the proposed initiative should therefore be considered within the wider framework of livestock development rather than being interpreted solely as a plan to establish cattle ranches.
He further advised residents to verify information from relevant authorities before forming opinions or reacting to government announcements.
The governor warned that relying on assumptions and circulating unverified claims could heighten tension over an issue that has already attracted considerable public attention.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace, protecting residents and ensuring that government policies are guided by the interests of the people.
“This is a people-oriented government, and everything we are doing must be people-directed,” Alia said.
