You Must Show Any Proof of Gazzetted Land in Benue, Ortom Challenges Presidency

  • Benue government lists what must be contained in the gazetted document.
  • States its position on Ruga system

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has challenged the Federal Government to show any proof of gazetted land in the state.

The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, on Monday said there is no land ion the state gazetted for grazing routes.

Ruga Settlement is a stem in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organized place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products.

According to a statement,ent from the Presidency, “Beneficiaries will include all persons in animal husbandry, not only Fulani herders.

READ: South East Governors Reach Agreement With Herdsmen Over Ruga Settlement

“The Federal Government is planning this in order to curb open grazing of animals that continue to pose security threats to farmers and herders.”

“We wish to make it clear that no land in Benue State has been gazetted for grazing routes, grazing reserves, cattle colonies and Ruga settlements, contrary to the Presidency’s claim.

Ortom, therefore, stated that the Federal Government is expected to publicly tender documents of the claimed gazetted land in Benue State to put the matter to rest.

He added that the Federal Government should show titles to the land it claims to have in Benue State, the evidence of compensation it paid to owners of such land, as well as the purpose for which the land was acquired.

READ: Ekiti PDP to Fayemi: RUGA: Don’t Trade Our Properties for Political Gain

“The Benue State Government has already made known its stand on the Ruga settlements matter that the state will not be part of the project.

“This was why the government and people of the state rejected the attempt to impose the Ruga settlement projects on them without the consent and approval of the governor who controls and administers the land in the state in trust for the people.”

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