The Plateau Vanguard for Democracy (PVD) has faulted Chief Kefas Ropshik, popularly known as Kefiano, over the controversy surrounding land allocation at the Agricultural Services and Training Centre (ASTC) BARC Farm, accusing him of politicising what it described, as a straightforward issue of compliance with government policy and due process.
The group, in a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Chris Ishaku, said the clarification by the ASTC management had exposed what it termed an attempt by Ropshik to portray himself as a victim in a matter that revolves around fairness, accountability and the equitable distribution of public agricultural resources.
PVD argued that it is troubling for a self-acclaimed advocate of the people to seek control of land already designated for youth groups and other beneficiaries under Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s agricultural empowerment initiative.
The group maintained that the BARC Farm remains a public asset intended to create opportunities for thousands of Plateau State residents and should not be treated as a private estate for politically exposed individuals.
According to Ishaku, Ropshik was allocated 100 hectares for the 2025 farming season under the same conditions applicable to other participants, with government providing land clearing, access to equipment and cultivation support.
He alleged that rather than remain within the approved allocation, Ropshik expanded his farming activities into an additional 100 hectares without authorisation.
PVD noted that despite the alleged encroachment, the state government, through ASTC, allowed Ropshik to complete his farming activities during the 2025 season without interference.
The group said the additional 100 hectares had already been reserved for other beneficiaries under the 2026 farming programme, particularly youth groups expected to benefit from the administration’s agricultural expansion agenda.
It explained that government had mapped out 1,000 hectares for the 2026 farming season and divided the land into 200 units of five hectares each for allocation to 200 youth groups, with each group comprising five members.
PVD warned against any attempt by an individual to undermine the programme, insisting that the initiative was designed to broaden agricultural opportunities across the state.
“What Chief Ropshik is doing is not activism. It is not people-oriented politics. It is not defence of the common man. If land that should go to 200 youth groups is being encroached upon by one man, then Plateau people must ask: who is really standing with the people?” the group said.
The organisation also dismissed claims of political persecution, arguing that ASTC had made it clear that Ropshik retained access to the 100 hectares legitimately allocated to him and was free to seek additional land through established procedures.
“At no point was Chief Ropshik stopped from farming on the land properly allocated to him. At no point was he denied access to agricultural opportunity. At no point was any action taken against him because of politics.
“The issue is that he allegedly moved beyond the land given to him and entered an area already reserved for other citizens. He should answer that instead of playing politics,” Ishaku added.
PVD further criticised what it described as efforts to drag Governor Mutfwang into what it called an administrative matter, maintaining that the governor’s interest is focused on ensuring that the farm serves the broader public good.
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The group urged Ropshik to respect the boundaries of his allocation and formally apply for additional land if needed.
It also commended the ASTC management for what it described, as transparency and adherence to due process in managing the farm.
Reaffirming support for the state’s agricultural transformation agenda, PVD said the revitalisation of the BARC Farm could become a major platform for job creation, food production and rural economic development.
“For us, this is not about Kefiano. It is about whether public resources will be shared fairly or captured by a few.
“The Mutfwang administration is trying to open the door for young people, host communities and ordinary farmers to benefit from the BARC Farm. Any attempt to block that door must be rejected,” the group stated.
