Governor Hyacinth Alia’s recent decision to allocate large portions of land to Fulani pastoralists in Benue State has ignited significant controversy and protests among local residents.
The move, which involves integrating Fulani herders into various communities, has raised concerns about the impact on indigenous land rights and the future of local governance.
Reports indicate that Alia has instructed the 23 local government chairmen in the state to expedite “reconciliation” efforts with the Fulani herders as part of the integration process.
The first phase of this plan has already begun in Agatu, where Local Government Chairman James Ejeh has taken steps to implement the initiative. Similar actions are expected in Okpokwu and other areas within Benue South.
One of the Governor’s most contentious actions was the suspension of the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law, which was originally designed to protect local farmers from the damaging effects of open grazing.
Alia justified the decision by claiming that the Nigerian Constitution supersedes the state law.
The next phase of the project will see land allocations in Benue North West, targeting local governments such as Gwer West, Gwer East, Guma, Makurdi, and Buruku. The final phase will focus on Benue North East, with significant land earmarked for Fulani settlements in Kwande, Logo, Ukum, and Katsina-Ala.
Sources suggested that Alia’s actions were part of a political agreement with Fulani elites who financed his campaign for the 2023 election.
In exchange for their financial backing, Alia promised to provide them with extensive land access in the state. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has praised Alia for safeguarding Fulani interests, a gesture the Governor reciprocated by referring to the Sultan as “my daddy.”
However, the move has sparked intense opposition from the people of Benue, many of whom view the land concessions as a betrayal of their trust.
In anticipation of a public backlash, Governor Alia is said to have distributed over 400 mobile phones to his supporters, primarily young people, in order to bolster his defense on social media.
During an event in Makurdi, some of the Governor’s aides were seen handing out phones and data allowances to individuals tasked with defending the policy online.
One of the groups vocal in their opposition is the Network for Transparent Governance (NTG), which issued a statement condemning the Governor’s plan.
NTG President Dennis Agema and Secretary-General Oliver Omenka expressed strong disapproval, calling the move a direct assault on the rights of the indigenous people of Benue.
“We, the people of Benue, stand united in our rejection of Governor Alia’s actions that seek to hand over our ancestral lands to Fulani herders. This decision to integrate Fulani into our communities, coupled with the suspension of the Anti-Open Grazing Law, represents a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people,” the NTG statement read.
The group also criticized the Governor’s tactic of using mobile phones to mobilize supporters to attack critics on social media, calling it an abuse of power and a violation of democratic principles.
“This is a clear attempt to silence dissent and intimidate those who oppose his policies. The people of Benue will not stand by and let our rights be trampled upon,” the statement reads.
