The Federal Government on Wednesday bowed to overwhelming public pressure and suspended the controversial Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlements scheme for herdsmen across the nation.

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State revealed the suspension minutes ago at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

RUGA has been unanimously rejected in the South and parts of the Middle Belt, with several state governors insisting there is no land for ranches and cattle colonies in their various states.

The scheme is viewed with suspicion, with critics alleging that it is part of a purported Islamisation plot by President Muhammadu Buhari.