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ABUJA, Nigeria - The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed its disapproval of President Bola Tinubu's announcement regarding the proposal to establish cattle ranches in Abuja, the historical home of the Gbagi people, as well as in other states throughout the country.
The pro-Biafran group described this initiative as merely Ruga rebranded, serving as a deceptive tactic for land appropriation under the guise of government policy.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful criticized the Federal Government for prioritizing cattle ranching over essential areas such as education, security, and innovation in the 21st century.
He noted that what initially started as a “need for grazing” centuries ago has resulted in the complete domination of once-proud territories, remarking, “the emergence of foreign emirates and the transformation of local landowners into outsiders in their own ancestral homes. If this madness isn't halted, Abuja will face a similar fate.”
The statement highlighted, “Is President Tinubu not aware that no reasonable country allows cattle to be kept in close proximity to its capital city? Can he name any major city—be it Nairobi, New Delhi, São Paulo, or Seoul—where cattle are permanently settled near central governance areas? This absurd situation is distinctly Nigerian and embarrassingly so.”
While asserting that the land surrounding Abuja rightfully belongs to the Gbagi people, Powerful condemned any attempts to dispossess them through executive orders, deeming it a grave act of aggression and cultural annihilation.
He warned, “Currently, the Gbagi are being marginalized; soon, there will be an Emir of Abuja. In 60 years, much like the Hausas, the Gbagi will be mere footnotes in history, reduced to remnants of their own culture.
IPOB will oppose any effort—whether direct or indirect—to impose this harmful expansionist agenda in Biafraland. No part of our land will be surrendered for herdsmen settlements, cattle corridors, or so-called ranching. Our forests, villages, and farmlands are sacred to us—not commodities in a federal agreement of demise.”
He continued by stating that no progressive nation builds ranches near residences, schools, and markets, adding that the current administration's failure to grasp this fundamental principle reflects its inadequacy rather than any shortcomings of the citizens.
“IPOB stands in solidarity with the Gbagi people and every other indigenous group facing existential threats from Fulani neo-colonial appropriation disguised as national policy.
Our diversity must be honored, our cultures safeguarded, and our ancestral territories defended.
The violence in the name of cattle must end. The bloodshed must come to a halt. Nigeria must choose reason over destruction,” the statement concluded.
