From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Igbo in the diaspora have warned against the acquisition of land anywhere in the South East for RUGA, saying such would breed insecurity just as it is currently happening in Benue and Plateau states.
In a statement by Sylvester Onyia, President, American Veterans Of Igbo Descent (AVID), on behalf of others, the Igbo in diaspora said they were resisting RUGA as it does not bring peace or development.
“It is a private business disguised as a government policy. It is a hidden plan to take over our ancestral lands and hand them over to Fulani settlers, using agriculture as an excuse.
“Let it be known that the RUGA project and the so-called National Waterways Bill are part of the same evil plan. They are trying to seize control of our lands, rivers and streams and give them to outsiders. We rejected this plan before and nothing has changed to make us accept it now.
“Igbo land is small and densely populated. We are over 800 people per square kilometre, making us the most crowded region in Nigeria.
“We are already struggling to find land for farming, housing and industries. So, how can anyone expect us to give out land for cows?
“If the government is serious about ranching, let them go to Niger State, which has over 76,000 square kilometres of land, far more than the entire South East put together.”
AVID said going by what is happening in Benue State, it would not be difficult to deduce that RUGA would bring insecurity to the South East if allowed to be established.
It reminded the proponents of RUGA in the South East of what is happening around Lokpanta Cattle Market in Abia State, which has become a hotbed of crime, kidnapping and killings.
“We don’t want that problem to spread. We cannot allow people who may become killers of our women and children tomorrow to settle on our land today,” AVID said.