Benue monarchs give herders 10-day ultimatum to leave farmlands

The Tiv Area Traditional Council has issued a 10-day ultimatum to herders occupying farmlands across the Tiv Kingdom in Benue State, calling for their peaceful withdrawal to allow the resumption of farming activities.

The directive was announced following an emergency meeting held at the palace of the Tor Tiv in Gboko, and was presided over by the council’s chairman, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv.

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The council instructed both political and traditional leaders in each affected local government area to engage herders in dialogue to facilitate their peaceful exit before the end of May 2025. This measure, according to the council, is essential to restore agricultural activities and prevent looming food shortages.

Expressing deep concern over the ongoing occupation of farmlands, the council warned that continued grazing and violence against farmers could exacerbate hunger not just in Tiv Kingdom, but across Nigeria.

Communities impacted by the herders’ presence include Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer West, Gwer East, and Buruku Local Government Areas.

The council lamented that farming has come to a halt in many areas due to the destruction of crops, displacement of farmers, and incidents of violence linked to the herders.

Appealing for a peaceful resolution, the Tor Tiv and his council emphasized that they are working in collaboration with government authorities to ensure a conducive environment for the herders’ orderly departure and the farmers’ safe return to their lands.