The Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC) has issued a firm ultimatum to herders operating in the Tiv Kingdom of Benue State, instructing them to vacate all farmlands by May 31.
The directive aims to allow displaced farmers to return to their agricultural activities after prolonged disruptions.
This resolution was reached during an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, May 21, at the palace of the Tor Tiv in the Gboko Local Government Area.
The session was presided over by the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Professor James Ayatse.
In a communiqué signed by the Council Secretary, Mr Shinyi Tyozua, the TATC called on Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration to take necessary steps to ensure the herders’ peaceful withdrawal.
The council also tasked traditional and political authorities in each local government with engaging the herders diplomatically to prevent tension and support the timely return to farming.
Highlighting growing insecurity across the region, the Council pointed to serious disruptions in areas such as Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer West, Gwer East, and Buruku.
According to the Council, farming has largely stopped due to herders occupying farmlands and related violence, including deadly attacks.
They warned that if the situation persists, it could spark a food crisis within the Tiv Kingdom and potentially impact the broader national food supply.
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