The Federal Government has unveiled a livestock-centred peace strategy aimed at restoring stability and unlocking economic growth in Benue State, positioning the sector as a catalyst for security, job creation, and rural transformation.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this at the inauguration of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation during the Benue Peace Summit held in Makurdi on Wednesday.
Conveying the goodwill of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister acknowledged the deep scars left by years of farmer-herder conflicts and related insecurity in the state, noting that the crisis has claimed lives, displaced communities, and disrupted agricultural productivity in a state widely regarded as Nigeria’s “Food Basket.”
He explained that persistent clashes linked to open grazing, cattle rustling, reprisals, and the erosion of traditional conflict resolution systems demand structural and economically driven solutions.
According to him, the newly inaugurated Peace Commission is expected to stabilise rural communities by promoting frameworks that transform livestock production from a source of conflict into a vehicle for shared prosperity.
Maiha revealed that more than 13 livestock facilities across Benue have fallen into disrepair.
He announced the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate with the Benue State Government through a Public-Private Partnership model to rehabilitate and modernise the assets into functional Livestock Service Centres.
The facilities slated for revival include the Yandev Pig Progeny Centre, small ruminant ranches, abandoned abattoirs, pasture development zones, and other livestock production infrastructure.
The Minister noted that revitalising these assets would stimulate value chain development, generate employment for youths, and expand opportunities in pig breeding, small ruminant fattening, feedlot operations, meat processing, and pasture cultivation.
Describing Benue as a land blessed with fertile resources yet challenged by recurring violence, he maintained that the livestock transformation agenda offers a pathway to absorb thousands of young people into productive ventures while strengthening food security nationwide.
In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by Deputy Governor Sam Ode, said the Benue State Strategic Plan for Peace and Reconciliation (2026–2030) was developed through broad consultations as a homegrown response to the state’s security challenges.
He stated that the plan seeks to build a peaceful and secure Benue anchored on dialogue, justice, strengthened early warning systems, and proactive conflict prevention mechanisms.
Also speaking, the Country Director of CARE International, Hussaini Abdu, urged greater national prioritisation of Benue in development planning, while traditional rulers stressed the urgent need to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the International Organization for Migration, Caritas, and other development partners.
The Director-General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation also presented an overview of the state’s strategic framework, outlining implementation pathways designed to consolidate peace and promote inclusive growth.
