 has instructed all herders to immediately vacate farmlands across the senatorial district to allow farming to resume safely.){kind=link}
Amid escalating violence in Benue South allegedly carried out by armed herders, the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has instructed all herders to immediately vacate farmlands across the senatorial district to allow farming to resume safely.
This directive was issued following an emergency meeting held in Otukpo, chaired by the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Odogbo, and attended by local government chairmen from the region.
The resolution follows a similar stance taken by the Tiv Area Traditional Council, which recently demanded the exit of herders from Tiv territories in the state.
The Council, through a statement signed by its Secretary, Uloko Adegbe, expressed deep concern over the attacks that have led to the loss of lives and widespread fear in the Idoma communities.
The traditional leaders described the killings as senseless and called for immediate action to restore peace.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies and the state government, the IATC stressed that more decisive and coordinated actions are necessary to protect lives and property in the area.
“The government should engage the Fulani herders and ensure they withdraw from all farming areas so our people can cultivate without fear,” the statement read.
The Council insisted that all armed herders must leave the area without delay to prevent further bloodshed.
Residents were urged to remain alert, collaborate with security forces, and report suspicious movements as part of broader efforts to restore calm.
To bolster security, the Council recommended increased patrols, the deployment of additional personnel to vulnerable communities, and training programs focused on conflict resolution to prevent future clashes.
Reiterating the validity of Benue’s anti-open grazing law, the IATC urged law enforcement agencies to enforce the legislation strictly and prosecute anyone found violating it, regardless of their position or influence.
In addition, the Council called on local government leaders to enforce these resolutions in their areas and asked both federal and state governments to demonstrate political will in improving security and implementing the directives across Idoma land and beyond.