Idoma Traditional Council orders Herders out of their land following deadly attacks.
Worried by the unabating violent attacks and killings allegedly by armed herdsmen in Benue State’s south senatorial zone , the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has ordered herders to vacate all farmlands in the area to enable farming activities to resume forthwith.
The resolution, coming on the heels of an earlier directive by the Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC), was announced after an emergency meeting convened by the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Odogbo, in Otukpo.
The meeting was attended by the nine local government chairmen across Idoma land.
In a statement signed by the IATC Secretary, Uloko Adegbe, the Council expressed deep sorrow over the killings and destruction allegedly carried out by armed herders, which have led to multiple casualties and significant unrest.
While acknowledging efforts by the state and federal governments to tackle the crisis, the traditional rulers called for intensified action and greater political resolve.
They urged for “continued and intensified cooperation and political will, suggesting that more strategic actions and resources are necessary to fully secure our homeland.”
The resolution added, “It is therefore unanimously agreed that the state government should discuss and prevail on Fulani herdsmen to vacate all farmlands to enable farmers to resume their agricultural activities without threat or intimidation.
“All armed herders must be persuaded and directed to leave the area immediately to prevent further conflicts.”
The Council further encouraged vigilance among locals, stating, “All residents and stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to support peace efforts and prevent further violence.”
To reinforce security in the district, the IATC called on the government to increase patrols, deploy more personnel to at-risk communities, and invest in conflict resolution training as preventive measures.
They also reminded law enforcement of their duty under the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, which remains in effect.
“No one is above the law,” the Council emphasized, urging the arrest and prosecution of any violators regardless of their status.
Additionally, Local Government Chairmen were tasked with ensuring strict adherence to the resolutions.
The Council concluded by urging both the Federal and State Governments to demonstrate “the political will to implement these resolutions by strengthen
