By Chris Agabi
Benue Alliance for Good Governance (BAGG) has tasked the federal government to prioritise the resettlement of the internally displaced persons in Benue, Nasarawa and other states on their ancestral lamds before implementing the Pulaaku programme.
The Pulaaku programme is a new initiative by the FG that is aimed at annexing lands in the states for cattle grazing as a solution to the sustained attacks on rural farmers by suspected herders.
Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, the Convener
Benue Alliance for Good Governance (BAGG) in a press statement on Sunday said the FG must be transparent and collectively engage all relevant stakeholders in tackling the Fulani herder crisis.
“We restate that, any genuine efforts by the federal government to address this crisis must prioritize the immediate resettlement of IDPs to their ancestral lands with guaranteed security of their lives and properties” BAGG stated.
BAGG emphasized the need for transparency, consultation, and immediate action in addressing the persistent crisis caused by Fulani herders.
“For decades, the people of Benue State have endured relentless attacks orchestrated by Fulani herders, resulting in the tragic loss of thousands of lives and extensive damage to properties” BAGG stated.
BAGG further noted that “despite the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Establishment of Ranches Law, championed by the people of Benue, the Fulani herders have adamantly opposed its implementation.”
According to BAGG, “the Federal Government’s response to this crises has been perceived as inadequate, with attempts to find solutions often viewed as favoring the attackers over the victims. The recent proposal of PULAAKU by the Federal Government raises concerns among the populace as it seems to sidestep the existing Open Grazing Prohibition Law.”
“Amidst ongoing discussions surrounding the proposed PULAAKU initiative, it is disheartening to observe the glaring silence regarding the urgent matter of resettling Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes and securing their territories. The Benue Alliance for Good Governance underscores that our people have languished in displacement for decades due to these relentless attacks” the statement indicated.
“While acknowledging the complexity of the situation, we reiterate that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration must lead with transparency and consultation. It is imperative that the Governor refrains from engaging in negotiations regarding PULAAKU without first obtaining the explicit consent and input of the people of Benue State” the statement reiterated.
It said “Governor Alia bears the responsibility of governing in alignment with the desires and interests of the electorate. Hence, he must ensure that any decisions made reflect the collective will and well-being of the people.”
The Benue Alliance for Good Governance called in Governor Alia to approach the negotiation table with a firm mandate derived from transparent and inclusive consultation processes.
“The Benue Alliance for Good Governance urges all stakeholders to prioritize the resettlement of IDPs and to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at finding lasting solutions to the Fulani herder crisis” the statement concluded.
