BARC Farm: PVD backs Mutfwang’s youth empowerment policy, knocks Ropshik

The Plateau Vanguard for Democracy (PVD) has lashed out at 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 attempting to politicise what the group described as a clear case of violation of government policy and due process.

The PVD, in a statement issued on Friday by its national coordinator, Chris Ishaku, said the clarification issued by the management of ASTC had exposed the attempt by Ropshik to present himself as a victim when, in reality, the issue bordered on compliance, fairness and the equitable distribution of public agricultural resources.

The group stated that it was disturbing that a man who claims to be a champion of the people would seek to hold on to land already earmarked for youth groups and other beneficiaries under Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s agricultural empowerment programme.

The group said the controversy should not be reduced to politics, stressing that the BARC Farm remains a public asset designed to create opportunities for thousands of Plateau citizens, not a private estate to be cornered by politically exposed individuals.

“The facts are now clear. Chief Kefas Ropshik was allocated 100 hectares of land for the 2025 farming season under conditions that applied to every other participant. Government cleared the land for him at no cost, gave him access to equipment and supported cultivation activities. But instead of respecting the limits of his allocation, he allegedly extended his operations into another 100 hectares without authorisation,” it said.

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The PVD said the Plateau State Government, through the ASTC, had acted in good faith by allowing Ropshik to continue farming during the 2025 season despite exceeding his approved allocation of 100 hectares.

It added that the additional 100 hectares he reportedly accessed had already been reserved for 200 youth groups under the 2026 farming plan.

According to PVD, the 2026 agricultural framework includes the allocation of 1,000 hectares divided into 200 units of five hectares each, alongside the provision of about 200 hand tillers to support beneficiaries.

The group dismissed claims of political persecution, insisting Ropshik was not denied access to his approved land or prevented from applying for additional allocation through proper channels.

It also stressed that Mutfwang’s administration is focused on ensuring productive use of BARC Farm for public benefit.

The PVD urged Ropshik to respect existing allocations and avoid politicising the issue, while calling on the people of Plateau State to support the government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which it said is aimed at job creation, food production, and rural development.