By Divine Sam
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent proposal to establish cattle ranches in Abuja and other states, describing it as a covert form of the previously rejected RUGA initiative and a dangerous strategy for land appropriation disguised as policy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB condemned the Federal Government’s decision to prioritize livestock settlements over critical sectors such as education, security, and innovation. The group decried the plan as outdated and a threat to the ancestral lands of indigenous peoples, particularly the Gbagi ethnic group, who are the original inhabitants of Abuja.
“It is shameful that in this modern era, a government would choose to focus on cow colonies rather than building schools, securing its citizens, or promoting innovation,” the statement read. “History shows that similar moves in the past led to the takeover of indigenous lands, the creation of alien emirates, and the eventual marginalization of original landowners.”
Powerful questioned the rationale behind placing cattle settlements near the nation’s capital, calling it unprecedented and irrational. “President Tinubu should tell Nigerians if any major city across the globe—be it Nairobi, New Delhi, São Paulo, or Seoul—permits cattle settlements around their seats of government. This strange policy is peculiar to Nigeria, and it’s disgraceful.”
Emphasizing the cultural and historical importance of the land, Powerful accused the government of attempting to dispossess the Gbagi people of their heritage. “Forcibly taking land by executive decree is nothing short of aggression and cultural annihilation,” he said.
The group also warned of the potential long-term consequences, drawing parallels to the fate of other indigenous groups. “Today, the Gbagi are being displaced. Tomorrow, there could be an Emir of Abuja. In a few decades, their history might be erased, just like the tragic experience of the Hausa people.”
IPOB firmly rejected any plans to introduce cattle ranches or corridors in the southeastern region, declaring that no part of Biafraland would be surrendered for such projects. “Our forests, farmlands, and villages are not for sale or negotiation. We will not allow federal land policies to be used as tools for occupation and domination.”
Instead, the group urged the government to adopt modern, humane, and globally accepted livestock management practices. “Transport cattle via rail, just like it’s done in advanced nations. A serious country does not displace its citizens to create space for animals,” IPOB asserted.
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