Tor Tiv Urges Vets to Lead Benue Livestock Development Plan

The Tor Tiv, James Ayatse, has called on the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Benue State chapter, to develop a comprehensive livestock plan for the state.

Ayatse made the call on Tuesday while addressing members of the association in Gboko. He warned that without a clear livestock plan, the sector could be shaped by external interests rather than local professionals.

He said livestock farming is critical to food security and protein supply and warned that abandoning the sector would raise concerns about how the state would meet its protein needs.

The traditional ruler also called for the establishment of veterinary clinics in major towns across the state to improve animal healthcare and disease control. He said functional clinics are essential for supporting farmers and sustaining productivity.

Ayatse expressed confidence that sustained efforts in the veterinary and livestock sector would yield positive results. He also spoke of his personal attachment to veterinary medicine, citing the challenges faced in establishing veterinary programmes at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi.

He decried the decline of agricultural extension services and called for their revival, saying the absence of extension workers has left a major gap in farmer support. Ayatse urged authorities and professional bodies to work together to rebuild extension services and strengthen veterinary infrastructure in the state.