The Indigenous People of Biafra has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plan to create cattle ranches across Nigeria, including in Abuja.
IPOB described the move as a land-grabbing attempt and a fresh version of the controversial Ruga policy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the decision to place ranches in Abuja, the original home of the Gbagi people, is an act of forceful takeover. He argued that instead of focusing on real problems like education, insecurity, and innovation, the government is choosing to protect cattle.
“This is not about cattle,” Powerful said. “It’s about land. What started as a need for grazing has turned into the complete takeover of communities. Look at Abuja today—it is heading the same way.”
Powerful questioned why any government would put ranches near its capital city. “Let President Tinubu show us one major city in the world—Nairobi, New Delhi, São Paulo, Seoul—where cattle are settled near the seat of power. This is not done anywhere but Nigeria.”
He added that the Gbagi people, who are the original settlers in the Abuja area, are being pushed aside. “Taking their land by executive order is cultural destruction. Today it is ranches; tomorrow there could be an Emir of Abuja. The Gbagi may be forgotten, just like the Hausa in their own land.”
IPOB also warned that any similar attempt in the Southeast would be resisted. “No land in Biafra territory will be used for cattle. Our forests and farms are not for sale,” he said.
The group suggested that Nigeria should move livestock by rail like other countries do and not place ranches near homes, schools, and markets. “This shows failure in governance,” the group said.
IPOB said it stands with the Gbagi people and other groups facing similar pressure. “Let the bloodshed over cattle stop. Let reason guide Nigeria, not ruin.”
