Herdsmen Killings: Och’idoma tells herders to vacate his domain 

…. Says Govt Must End Illegal Arms, Criminality In Benue 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The paramount ruler of the Idoma Nation, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo, has ordered all armed herdsmen to vacate Idoma land with immediate effect to allow farmers to begin cultivation of crops.

This directive formed the core of a communique released after an emergency meeting of the Idoma Area Traditional Council and local government chairmen held at the Och’Idoma’s Palace in Otukpo, few days ago.

The directive was also as result of the recent incessant attacks and killings in Idoma axis of Benue State by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.

The Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC) had also given similar order to the herders to vacate Tiv land following the spate of attacks and killings in part of Tiv communities.

The IATC issued the order in a resolution at the end of its emergency meeting with Local Government Council Chairmen in Idoma land, presided over by the Och’Idoma, HRM . John Odogbo, in Otukpo.

In the resolution signed by the Council Secretary, Uloko Adegbe, the Council expressed grief over the heinous act of violence perpetrated by armed herdsmen that resulted in the tragic loss of lives in the Idoma Kingdom,

While commending the government’s efforts to address the situation, the Royal fathers urged “continued and intensified cooperation and political will, suggesting that more strategic actions and resources are necessary to fully secure our homeland.

“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.

“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.”

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The Council urged the government to ensure increased security patrols, deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable areas, and conduct conflict resolution training to deter future violence in the District.

It equally reminded law enforcement agencies that the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition Law was still in force, hence the need to arrest and prosecute anyone who violates the law “no matter how high or low they could be, to instill sanity in the state. No one is above the law.”

While urging Local Government Council Chairmen in the District to ensure full compliance with the resolutions, the Council also emphasized that “the Federal and State Governments should show the political will to implement these resolutions by strengthen the security architecture in Idoma Land and Benue State in general.”

Community Vigilance and Cooperation:  

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.

“Stakeholders, including community leaders, farmers, locally herders, and security agencies, are encouraged to participate in ongoing dialogue sessions designed to foster mutual understanding, trust, and sustainable coexistence.

Furthermore, the authorities are called upon to review land policies and promote equitable access, ensuring sustainable use of land resources that benefit both farming and herding activities.

“The government is advised to increase patrols, deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable areas, and conduct conflict resolution training to deter future violence.

“Efforts should be made to provide rehabilitation, counseling, and support services to communities and individuals affected by violence and displacement, in collaboration with relevant agencies.

“The enforcement of laws against illegal arms, criminal activities, and unauthorized land use must be prioritized, with offenders prosecuted to uphold law and order”, the communique maintained.