Traditional leaders in Benue State’s Tiv Kingdom have given herders a deadline of May 31 to vacate local farmlands to pave the way for farmers to resume cultivation.
This decision emerged from an emergency gathering at the palace of the Tor Tiv in Gboko on Wednesday, chaired by His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ayatse.
A statement released after the meeting, signed by the Council Secretary, Mr Shinyi Tyozua, emphasized the need for the state government to facilitate a peaceful and organized relocation of the herders.
It also instructed community and political leaders to mediate with herding groups in their respective areas to ensure a smooth exit.
The Council raised alarms about deteriorating security conditions, especially in LGAs like Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Logo, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer West, Gwer East, and Buruku.
According to the statement, herders’ presence on farmland has resulted in attacks and the mass displacement of farmers, significantly disrupting the planting season.
The TATC cautioned that failure to restore farmlands to their rightful owners could plunge the region—and possibly the country—into severe food insecurity.