Traditional council orders herders to vacate Benue farmlands

In response to a wave of deadly attacks reportedly carried out by armed herdsmen in Benue State’s southern senatorial district, the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has issued a directive ordering all herders to vacate farmlands across the region to allow farmers to begin cultivation without fear.

The resolution was passed during an emergency meeting in Otukpo, chaired by the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Odogbo, and attended by council members and local government chairmen from across the district.

The decision mirrors a similar directive earlier issued by the Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC), which also called for herders to leave Tiv territories in the state.

The IATC expressed deep sorrow over the recent violent incidents, which led to the loss of lives in various Idoma communities. In a statement signed by Council Secretary Uloko Adegbe, the traditional rulers condemned the attacks and stressed the need for urgent action to restore peace and security in the area.

The council emphasized that, while it appreciates the efforts made so far by the state government to address the crisis, more decisive steps are needed.

“We urge the state government to initiate dialogue with Fulani herders and ensure they vacate all farmlands so that farming activities can resume safely,” the statement read.

The council further demanded the immediate withdrawal of all armed herdsmen from the region, warning that their continued presence poses a threat to peace and security.

Residents were also encouraged to stay alert, collaborate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activity.

The council called on the government to scale up security patrols, deploy more personnel to at-risk areas, and invest in conflict resolution initiatives to prevent further violence.

Reaffirming the validity of the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, the IATC urged law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute violators, regardless of their social or political status, as part of efforts to restore order.

The traditional council also tasked local government chairmen within the district to ensure full enforcement of the resolutions and called on both federal and state authorities to show the political will needed to strengthen security in Idoma land and the state at large.