Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has highlighted the 1999 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol on cross-border grazing as a significant factor contributing to insecurity in the region. Speaking on the challenges faced by the state, Governor Alia emphasized the need for a reevaluation of policies that have inadvertently exacerbated tensions between pastoralists and local communities.
Governor Alia explained that the adoption of the ECOWAS protocol in 1999, which aimed to facilitate the movement of pastoralists across borders for grazing purposes, has led to unforeseen consequences. While the initiative was intended to promote regional cooperation and economic integration, it has resulted in clashes over land use, displacement of local populations, and heightened security concerns in Benue State.
The Governor noted that Benue State has been particularly affected, with internally displaced persons (IDPs) now present in 17 out of the state's 23 local government areas. He expressed concern over the destabilizing impact of these conflicts and called for urgent action to address the root causes of insecurity.
Governor Alia reaffirmed his commitment to finding sustainable solutions to the challenges facing Benue State. He urged stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and international organizations, to collaborate in revising the framework of the ECOWAS protocol to ensure it aligns with the realities on the ground and safeguards the interests of affected communities.