Governors in the southeastern part of Nigeria who are planning to set up ranches in the zone had better watch the decision they take on the issue. This is because opposition against the idea keeps mounting by the day. The latest came from two elite groups in the zone who have issued warnings to the governors to desist from embracing the idea of cattle ranch in the zone. They the World Igbo Congress, WIC, and American Veterans of Igbo Descent, AVID. The two groups have opposed plans to establish a cattle ranch in the zone, particularly in Enugu State. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State have come under criticism by those who claimed that he wants to set up cattle ranch and therefore invite herders who have constituted themselves to a terror group in the zone, killing farmers and rapping their wives and daughters, even as they feed their agricultural products to their cattle.
Though the governor had denied plans to give out the land in the state to foreign elements for ranching, opposition voices kept ringing warning bells to him. For instance, WIC urged the Enugu State government to exercise caution, noting that cattle ranching, which is a private business, does not align with Igbo ethos.
The groups warned that establishing a cattle ranch in the state might lead to dire consequences. They issued the caution in a statement titled: Concerns Regarding the Establishment of a Cattle Ranch in Enugu State. The statement signed by WIC and AVID and addressed to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, reads: We commend your efforts and leadership in Enugu State. However, we have become aware of plans to establish a cattle ranch in the state, which has prompted our joint communication.
We wish to express our collective disapproval and lack of endorsement for such initiatives within your jurisdiction. Drawing on the experience of a similar program initiated by former Governor Orji Uzo Kalu of Abia State, which failed to deliver the anticipated economic benefits, we urge caution.
Recent unsettling reports of over 80 casualties near the Lokpanta cattle market, presumed to be Igbo natives, further underscore our concerns. Cattle ranching, being a private enterprise does not align with the ethos of Igbo land. The cattle herders are often associated with violence and disorder. The Igbo community values equality and freedom within democratic societies, and the establishment of a cattle ranch could have dire consequences. It is imperative to avoid actions that might compromise our peoples autonomy and resilience.”
The groups had a piece of advise for the governor. They said, AVID and WIC implore you to seek prudent guidance to safeguard our homeland against potential threats and encroachment disguised as ranching activities. We offer our collaboration to enhance the safety and well-being of Enugu State residents and the wider Southeast region. As custodians of Igbo heritage, we urge you to protect every inch of our ancestral land from external influences.”
According to AVID and WIC, the decision to establish ranching cannot be justified by leaders in the zone as people of the zone are not known to enjoy similar gesture somewhere else in Nigeria. The statement reads further, It is worth noting that no part of Nigeria has allocated land for Igbo settlements or enterprises. Regions in the North boast vast expanses of land suitable for ranching purposes.” They, therefore, implored the governor to improve on his efforts in other areas of governance. The groups said to Mbah, We encourage you to prioritise essential governance aspects such as education, infrastructure, reliable power supply, and poverty alleviation for the benefit of Enugu States populace.