The three main Socio Cultural Organisations in Benue State, the Mdzough U Tiv, the Ochetoha K’ Idoma and Omi Ny’ Igede, have vowed to use all constitutional means to resist the establishment of Ruga, a Fulani settlement, in the state.
In a statement jointly signed by the President General of Mzough u Tiv, Edward Ujege; President General, Ochetoha k’ Idoma, Amali Adoya Amali and President General, Omi Ny’ Igede, Ben. Okpa, the groups said Benue people were in total disagreement with the move.
They said the move by the federal government to establish Fulani settlements is similar to the move orchestrated by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore to claim the Benue valley as original settlers.
The groups, which likened the Buhari federal government to Miyetti Allah administration, stated that Fulani people have no right of land ownership in Benue and must not occupy it.
They reminded the federal government that Benue has a law on ranching in place which must be obeyed by all living within the state.
“We hereby state unequivocally that the Fulani herdsmen have never occupied or owned the Benue valley. The Federal Government under the present leadership and Miyetti Allah are one and the same.
“As regards Ruga settlements, the people of Benue state are with one voice in stating that, Benue state has an established law, “A law to prohibit open grazing and establishment of ranches 2017.”
“Ruga settlements cannot hold.
“The people of Benue state will resist the construction of Ruga settlements even if it means extermination of our race,” they said.
The organisations indicted President Buhari for treating the Benue race with much hatred, pointing out that no project has been executed in the state since he came to office, apart from his several efforts to grab Benue land and deprive the people of using their land.
“We are in no doubt that General Muhammadu Buhari as a person hates Benue state indigenes to a fault. If not, how can a Federal Government turn her back on the huge suffering of over 500,000 internally displaced people in Benue state? How will the federal Government cause the deterioration of Benue state economy and go on to blame it on the people and state Government?
“Since his coming into office, the federal government has not undertaken any major project in Benue state apart from trying to grab our land for construction of Ruga settlements, which may be a proposal of the Miyetti Allah.
“Let it be known that the common man in Benue state will use all constitutional means to resist the illegal occupation of our land.”
They called on all Benue indigenes at home and in the Diaspora to rise up to the occasion, even as they invited the international community, well-meaning friends, all socio-cultural associations like, Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Middle Belt Forum, South South Forum, the United Nations and all who value human life to come to the assistance of the Benue people.