Chief Iorbee Ihagh, a retired Comptroller of Prisons and leader of the pan socio-cultural groups in Benue State, has urged President Bola Tinubu to abandon plans for the proposed Ministry of Livestock Development and instead establish a Ministry of Farming.
Ihagh, who is the President General of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, made this call on Friday in response to the president’s proposal for a Ministry of Livestock Development. As the leader of the Mdzough U Tiv, Ochitoha’K Idoma, and Omn’Igede groups, Ihagh argued that creating a Ministry of Livestock Development would invite crises in the country. He highlighted that insecurity, partly fueled by armed herders attacking host communities, would be exacerbated by such a ministry, likening it to the previously rejected RUGA settlement initiative.
He stated, “The previous administration’s RUGA settlement plan was rejected by Nigerians. To me, President Tinubu’s proposal for a Ministry of Livestock Development is a rebranding of RUGA.”
Ihagh emphasized that since 2014, Nigeria has not experienced peace due to herdsmen’s activities. He recalled that prior to 2014, herdsmen and host communities coexisted peacefully and resolved conflicts amicably. However, the current situation involves armed herders committing violent acts, which he views as an occupation of land rather than a conflict.
Instead, Ihagh advocated for the creation of a Ministry of Farming to address food scarcity and improve farmers’ security. He suggested that ranching should be managed under the Ministry of Agriculture, which would focus on promoting food and cash crops and conducting research.
He further argued that the existing Ministry of Agriculture is too large, encompassing various departments such as veterinary services, agriculture, livestock, and research, necessitating a more focused approach through a dedicated Ministry of Farming.
