The office of the Vice President has denied supervising the establishment of the Ruga settlements, contrary to the claim by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.
According to a statement signed by the Vice President’s Spokesman, Laolu Akande, the Ruga initiative is different from the National Livestock Transformation Plan approved by state governors, under the auspices of the National Economic Council (NEC).
The council, which is chaired by Professor Osinbajo, had on January 17, 2019, approved the plan based on the recommendations of its technical committee.
Read Also: Benue Youths Protest Planned Ruga Settlement For Herdsmen
Akande further stated that the scheme is to be implemented in seven pilot states on the frontlines of the farmer-herder crises which include: Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara.
Other states such as Katsina, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Ondo, and Edo have also indicated readiness to implement the plan.
“The plan has six pillars through which it aims to transform the livestock production system in Nigeria along market-oriented value chain while ensuring an atmosphere of peace and justice.
“The six key pillars include: economic investment, conflict resolution, justice and peace, humanitarian relief and early recovery, human capital development and cross-cutting issues such as gender, youth, research and information and strategic communication,” the statement read.
The VP’s office insists that the Federal Government will not impose on any state government regarding its land.
The statement comes hours after youths from various communities in Benue State including Zaki-Biam in Ukum local council, Otobi in Otukpo local government trooped out to protest against the planned Ruga Farm settlement in the state.
According to them, the initiative violates the Open Grazing Law in the state and will instigate violent clashes between farmers and herders in the state.
