A human rights group, Lawyers Alert, has threatened legal action against the Federal Government over the reported plan to establish ranches in Benue State.
The government had said the plan is part of efforts to address the frequent farmers-herders crisis.
In a statement by the head of Legal Services, Bamidele Jacob, the group said their decision is based on the serious human rights, displacement, security and constitutional concerns posed by the planned programme.
”For years, communities across Benue have endured killings, destruction of homes and farms, displacement, loss of livelihoods and disruption of social and economic life as a result of persistent insecurity and farmer-herder-related violence.
”Thousands of residents remain displaced, and many communities continue to face significant challenges in returning home and rebuilding their lives.
”Against this background, Lawyers Alert is concerned that proceeding to establish ranches without first adequately addressing the rights and concerns of affected communities, including displaced persons and host communities, could create additional tensions over land and potentially deepen existing grievances,” the group said.
They explained that their position is not against lawful livestock production, ranching, or peaceful pastoralism, but noted that ranching, when undertaken voluntarily, lawfully, and in accordance with applicable laws, can form part of a broader solution to Nigeria’s livestock and farmer-herder challenges.
”Our concern is with any attempt to impose, establish, allocate or facilitate ranches in Benue without meaningful consultation, lawful land acquisition, respect for existing state legislation, protection of community interests and consideration of the rights of displaced persons and other affected populations.
”Benue State already has legislation regulating open grazing and providing a framework for ranching.
”Any Federal Government intervention must therefore be consistent with the Constitution, applicable legislation and the principles of federalism and lawful governance.
”The proposed litigation is intended to go beyond the circumstances of a single individual or community.
”Lawyers Alert seeks to use the judicial process to obtain authoritative clarification on important questions affecting communities across Benue and potentially other conflict-affected parts of Nigeria,” they stated.
The group questioned the constitutional and legal basis for the proposed Federal Government intervention, wondering whether there was wider consultation with the people.
Through the suit, Lawyers Alert said they intend to advocate for a framework in which public policy, land administration, security interventions, and agricultural development are anchored in constitutionalism, human rights, community participation, and the rule of law.
They, however, stated that the group remains committed to constructive engagement with government at all levels.
”We believe that litigation and dialogue can operate together in strengthening democratic accountability and ensuring that public policies respect the rights and legitimate interests of affected populations,” they said.
