The Enugu State Government has firmly refuted allegations suggesting any intention to establish a Ruga settlement in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state.
In response to protests by residents of Nimbo Community against purported plans to set up Ruga for herdsmen, particularly following previous tragic incidents, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aka Eze Aka, issued a statement clarifying the government’s stance.
Entitled “Ranch is Not Ruga,” the commissioner emphasized that the reports and videos circulating were the handiwork of manipulative individuals and political detractors aiming to undermine the government for their own gain.
Addressing the misconceptions, the commissioner stated, “The Enugu State Government is not engaging in any RUGA project in any part of the state and shall not do so. RANCH IS NOT RUGA.”
He further elaborated on the government’s initiative to utilize ranching as a modern approach to address challenges such as kidnapping and clashes between border communities and herders.
“The recent viral messages and outcry against what they construed as government’s intention to allocate land in Uzo-Uwani LGA to Fulanis under the guise of RUGA are baseless and politically motivated,” the commissioner added.
Explaining the government’s position, he highlighted the prevalence of criminal activities perpetrated by armed bandits and kidnappers disguising themselves as herders, necessitating the implementation of ranching as a more secure method of cattle rearing.
In concluding, the commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combatting criminality and promoting modern agricultural practices, such as ranching, for the benefit of all citizens.