Cattle Ranch: US-based Igbo group AVID, WIC caution Mbah

By Tayo ABIOLA

The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) and the World Igbo Congress (WIC) have called on Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, not to embark on the establishment of any cattle ranch in the state.

Both Igbo groups in a joint statement issued by AVID President, Chief (Dr) Sylvester Onyia and WIC Chairman, Dr Sir Festus Okere, said cattle herders are usually “associated with violence and disorder” which poses a threat to people of the state and South-East region as a whole.

Recall that the Enugu state government disclosed in February that there would be the establishment of a cattle ranch project to curb incessant kidnapping in the state.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Aka Eze Aka, the Enugu state government said, “The government intends to use the ranch to stem the tide of kidnapping and clashes between the state’s border people and the herders.

“The Enugu state government is not engaging in the RUGA project in any part of the state and shall not do so. The ranch is not Ruga.”

Reacting to the statement that has become a subject of debate, AVID and WIC also said the North has vast areas of land that can be used for that purpose, and no part of the South-East should be given for such a project.

In the statement titled, ‘Concerns Regarding the Establishment of a Cattle Ranch in Enugu State’ obtained from Nnamdi Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, on Friday, AVID and WIC said, “We wish to express our collective disapproval and lack of endorsement for such initiatives within your jurisdiction.”

The statement read, “Warm greetings from the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) and the World Igbo Congress (WIC). 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 people’s autonomy and resilience.

“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.

“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. We encourage you to prioritize essential governance aspects such as education, infrastructure, reliable power supply, and poverty alleviation for the benefit of Enugu State’s populace.

“We appreciate your attention to these matters.”