By: Joy Musa
Benue State Youths have strongly condemned the alleged plans by the federal government to reintroduce the controversial Ruga settlements in the state, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Senator George Akume serving as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The move has sparked widespread outrage among residents, who are voicing their concerns over the potential implications for local communities and the state’s delicate security situation.
In a statement issued by youth leaders from across the state, they expressed deep apprehension over the re-emergence of the Ruga settlement initiative, which was previously met with stiff resistance in several states due to fears of land grab and insecurity. The Ruga program, originally proposed by the Buhari administration, sought to establish settlement areas for herders across various states, particularly in regions with significant agricultural activities.
Benue State, often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has witnessed long-standing tensions between farmers and herders, with violent clashes escalating in recent years. The state’s government had previously implemented a law prohibiting open grazing to curb the rising conflicts, a move that has been supported by a majority of Benue residents.
The youth groups, in their statement, expressed concerns that the return of the Ruga settlement program would undermine the state’s hard-won peace efforts and exacerbate tensions. They raised alarms over what they described as an “unwarranted imposition” of the program, warning that it could lead to a repeat of previous conflicts between herders and farmers, thereby threatening the security of Benue communities.
“The decision to bring back the Ruga settlement program to Benue is an insult to the people of the state. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that peace and stability prevail in our communities, and this move is a direct threat to those efforts. We cannot allow our land to be taken over under the guise of settlement programs that only benefit a select few,” said one of the youth leaders in the statement.
The youth leaders further criticized the Tinubu federal government for not consulting with the people of Benue before pushing forward with such initiatives that failed under Buhari, urging the administration to prioritize the welfare and security of citizens over political interests.
In reaction to the growing concerns, the Benue State government has not issued any statement on its stance against the Ruga settlement program, reaffirming its commitment to the anti-open grazing law and its efforts to protect the rights of farmers and indigenous communities. Former Governor Ortom administration has continued to advocate for the protection of the state’s land and resources from what they perceive as an unjustified intrusion.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the Benue Youth have called for peaceful protests and further engagement with the federal government to ensure that the voices of the state’s residents are heard and their rights are protected.
The ongoing debate over the Ruga settlements is seen as a critical test for the Tinubu administration, particularly with Senator George Akume, a former governor of Benue State, now serving as SGF. Akume’s leadership in this sensitive matter will be closely watched, as many believe that his actions will have significant implications for the relationship between the federal government and Benue State.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides gearing up for what could be a prolonged political and social battle over the future of Ruga settlements in Benue State.
