A socio-community group known as Ayubw’o’gw’o’ligede’ka Group, whose name is understood as “Don’t Touch the Igede People,” has raised concern over what it described as continued violations of regulations prohibiting open grazing in Igede land.
In a press release signed by its Director of Bureau, Comrade Ogbo Samuel Otumala, and General Secretary, Comrade Eje Ode Daniel, the group expressed worry over the “flagrant violation” of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017, as well as the O’ligede Epwa’edi declaration of 2025. It called on government agencies, the Igede Intermediate Area Traditional Council, youth leaders and the general public to ensure strict compliance with existing regulations governing livestock rearing and grazing.
At the centre of the group’s position is its demand that cattle owners embrace ranching rather than open grazing. This stance aligns with the 2017 law, which was enacted to prohibit open rearing and grazing of livestock and to provide for ranch establishment and livestock administration. The legislation, assented to in May 2017, was designed to reduce the destruction of farms and property and to prevent clashes between crop farmers and livestock herders. The Benue State Government has previously reaffirmed its intention to enforce the law, directing security agencies in March 2024 to commence full implementation.
The group stated that it would not remain silent over activities which, in its view, could expose Igede communities to recurring farmer-herder conflicts, destruction of farmlands, kidnapping and other security challenges. It appealed to stakeholders to act within the law and prevent situations that could escalate into confrontation between communities and livestock operators. The statement contained a strong warning to those engaging in open grazing and called for the adoption of ranching, noting that the established Benue State law contains its own offences and penalties.
Despite the firm language, the underlying issues remain those of land protection, food production, community security and peaceful coexistence. Igede communities are predominantly agrarian, and Benue is widely recognised as an agricultural state where farming forms an important part of economic and social life. The challenge now is for government authorities, traditional institutions, security agencies, farmers, livestock owners and community leaders to ensure that disputes are handled through the law rather than through violence or vigilantism.
Ayubw’o’gw’o’ligede’ka Group is urging Igede stakeholders to unite in defending their homeland and interests, while also calling on peace-loving individuals and organisations to join its efforts. The issue deserves serious attention because the protection of farmlands and the enforcement of lawful livestock regulations affect both security and food production. At the same time, every enforcement action should be carried out through recognised government authorities and due process, rather than through self-help, threats or violence. Igede land should not become a theatre for recurring farmer-herder conflicts, and all parties operating within the area are expected to respect the applicable laws and community regulations.
