MUTA SAYS NO TO THE INCLUSION OF BENUE IN THE PILOT RANCHING
MUTA has formally rejected the inclusion of Benue State in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s pilot ranching program, citing concerns over displacement, ancestral land rights, security, and the lack of meaningful consultation with affected communities.
In its press statement, MUTA emphasized that many communities in Benue State continue to face the consequences of violence and displacement and that no policy should further compromise their access to ancestral lands. The organization called on the Federal Government to prioritize the safe return and rehabilitation of displaced persons, restore affected communities to their lands, and ensure that any ranching initiative is based on transparency, consent, justice, and respect for community ownership.
MUTA reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s unity and development while maintaining that economic policy must not come at the expense of the rights, security, dignity, and livelihoods of the people of Benue State.
Publication Source: Saturday Vanguard, August 15, 2026, Page 34.
Issued by: Mutual Union of Tiv in America (MUTA)
A message to the Federal Government of Nigeria
The Mutual Union of the Tiv in America (MUTA), through its Strategic Engagement Committee (SEC), raises serious concerns regarding plans to pilot communal ranches in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria.
For communities that have already experienced years of killings, displacement, destruction of homes and loss of farmland, decisions involving land cannot be made without the voices of the people who live on and depend on that land.
MUTA calls for transparency, meaningful consultation with affected communities, protection of ancestral lands, and solutions that prioritize the safety, dignity and future of the Tiv people.
Our people deserve to be heard.
Our communities deserve to be protected.
Our land and our future matter.
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#MUTA #TivPeople #BenueState #Tivland #MzoughUTiv #Benue #Nigeria #Community #OurLandOurFuture #MUTASEC
The MUTA Strategic Engagement Committee (SEC) is a dynamic and proactive body within MUTA, dedicated to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the Tiv people. Originally established as the IDP Committee during the administration of Simon Kusugh, it focused primarily on advocating for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the Fulani herders' attacks. Recognizing the need for broader engagement, the committee has now been rechristened as the SEC, with an expanded mandate to tackle critical issues that affect the Tiv nation.
Under the leadership of Prof. Joseph T. Zume, the SEC is entrusted with a range of responsibilities that go beyond IDP advocacy. These include promoting peace and reconciliation, enhancing agricultural development, driving disaster relief efforts, preserving Tiv culture, and forming strategic partnerships to advance the cause of the Tiv people. The committee also plays a pivotal role in national dialogues, such as the Nigerian Senate's summit on herders-farmer clashes, ensuring that the perspectives of the Tiv Diaspora are represented.
The SEC’s mission is to be a catalyst for meaningful change, using strategic planning and resource mobilization to ensure that the welfare of the Tiv people remains at the forefront of national and international agendas. With a dedicated team of individuals like Dr. Orduen Abunku, Miriam Tivzenda, and Jerome Hule, the SEC continues to seek additional members to bring fresh perspectives and expertise, further strengthening its efforts.
Whether advocating for IDPs, engaging in policy discussions, or promoting Tiv heritage, the SEC is committed to making a lasting impact. The committee’s work is guided by a clear charge that includes:
The SEC represents MUTA’s commitment to ensuring a brighter, more secure future for the Tiv nation, and encourages all MUTA members to support and contribute to its initiatives. Together, through collaboration and strategic engagement, the SEC is poised to drive progress for the Tiv people in Nigeria and beyond.
This charge entrusts members of the SEC with the vital mission of championing the cause of the Tiv people in Nigeria on behalf of MUTA. Their responsibilities are broad, encompassing advocacy, strategic planning, and proactive engagement in various critical areas. Specifically, they are charged with the following:
As members of the SEC, they hold positions of great responsibility and opportunity. Their dedication, creativity, and strategic thinking will be instrumental in advancing the welfare and interests of our people. Together, we can create a future of hope, resilience, and prosperity for the Tiv nation.
A Virtual Town Hall Meeting Presented by the Strategic Engagement Committee of the Mutual Union of the Tiv in America (MUTA), Featuring His Excellency, The Most Rev. Isaac Bundepun Dugu, Catholic Bishop of the Katsina-Ala Diocese. Topic: The Sandra Peace Process and the State of the IDPS
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