Benue Lawmaker Opposes State’s Plan to Cede Livestock Centre to Federal Government

Source: Independent Newspaper Nigeria

Member of the House of Representatives for Gwer-East/Gwer-West Federal Constituency, Arch Asema Achado, has strongly opposed the Benue State Government’s plan to transfer the Livestock Breeding and Investigation Centre in Raav to the Federal Government for a structured livestock management system. 

Achado condemned the move, arguing that allocating 500 hectares of land for cattle fodder cultivation diverts critical agricultural land from food production at a time when food security is a pressing national issue. 

He urged the state government to instead prioritize mechanized agriculture, land development, and rural infrastructure to support local farmers.

Achado also criticized the government’s perceived focus on livestock development over the implementation of the Anti-Open Grazing Law, which he insists is crucial in controlling the influx of herders and preventing attacks on Benue communities. 

He stressed that open grazing continues to destroy farmlands and displace local populations. The lawmaker commended the Masev Development Association (MASDA), led by Prof. Iorshase Agaji, for rejecting the federal takeover of the Raav ranch. 

He called on the Benue State Government to reinforce measures that protect citizens’ livelihoods rather than prioritizing cattle rearing at their expense.