Figures cited by *The Punch* reveal that the diaspora organisation Mutual Union of Tiv in America (MUTA) has formally voiced opposition against the Federal Government’s decision to include Benue State in its national pilot ranching project. The diaspora group warned that introducing grazing settlements amid unaddressed community displacement poses serious socio-economic risks.
In a official statement issued by MUTA’s leadership, the group highlighted that thousands of indigenous farmers remain uprooted from their ancestral farmland, living in temporary Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. The organization urged federal authorities to prioritize returning displaced citizens to their lands over establishing federal ranching infrastructure.
The group cautioned that implementing livestock reserves without addressing root safety concerns could trigger fresh conflicts over land ownership. They called for transparent, community-led consultation before any agricultural policy changes are made in the region.
The development was corroborated by *The Sun* and *Daily Post*. *The Sun* published details from the group’s joint statement, quoting MUTA President Prof. Akaa Ayangeakaa and Secretary Prof. Joseph Zume as stating that “large numbers of our people remain uprooted from our ancestral communities and continue to live under extremely difficult conditions in IDP camps.” Furthermore, *Daily Post* highlighted the group’s policy demand, reporting that MUTA insisted “the policy should not be implemented in Benue until displaced communities are safely returned to their ancestral homes and their land rights fully restored.”
Echotitbits take:
MUTA’s swift intervention underscores the powerful influence of the Nigerian diaspora on domestic policy debates and land rights protection. To avoid prolonged legal and political standoffs, the Ministry of Livestock Development must engage local communities, regional leaders, and diaspora bodies to address historical security concerns before rolling out federal pilot projects.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/08/muta-rejects-benue-ranching-pilot-demands-return-of-displaced-communities/, August 18, 2026
Photo credit: The Sun Nigeria
