News in Brief:
– Enugu State government clarifies it’s establishing modern ranches, not RUGA settlements, to control grazing, tackle herder-farmer clashes, and curb criminal activity linked to herders.
– These ranches will have designated grazing areas, modern abattoirs, and cattle inspection points, aiming to improve security and modernise livestock management.
The Enugu State Government has denied plans for a RUGA settlement, a controversial nationwide project proposed by the previous administration. Instead, the state is establishing modern ranches to curb herder-farmer clashes and criminal activity.
Information Commissioner Aka Eze Aka emphasized the distinction between ranches and RUGA settlements. Ranches are organized farms for animal breeding, while RUGA aimed to establish settlements for migrant herders, which has raised concerns about land allocation and potential security risks.
Also, the commissioner addressed recent misinformation campaigns. He clarified that the ranches aim to address the root causes of conflict.
Speaking further, he stated that the government’s intention is to use the ranch to stem the tide of kidnapping and clashes. Also, he accused ‘political manipulators’ of spreading false information.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to modern ranching practices. According to the commissioner, key aspects of the ranching initiative include:
- Designated grazing areas: Open grazing will be prohibited, with specific ranches established and managed by the government.
- Modern abattoirs: Processing facilities will be built near each ranch to regulate meat production and distribution.
- Cattle inspection points: All cattle entering from the north will be inspected at the ranches, ensuring adherence to regulations and generating revenue.
The government urged citizens to understand the distinction between ranches and RUGA and reject misinformation campaigns. This initiative aims to address security concerns and modernise livestock management in the state.
