…unprovoked attacks by herdsmen have disrupted farming activities
The iNews Times reports that Herdsmen in the Tiv area of Benue State have been given till the end of May to vacate Tiv lands.
It was learnt that Tiv Area Traditional Council issued the quite notice.
The traditional rulers cited continued attacks on farmers and growing concerns over food insecurity in Benue State and across the country.
This resolution followed an emergency meeting held at the palace of the Tor Tiv in Gboko, presided over by His Royal Majesty, Orcivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse.
The emergency meeting was attended by all graded traditional rulers from across the Tiv Kingdom.
In a communiqué signed by the council’s secretary, Shinyi Tyozua, the traditional leaders expressed grave concern over the persistent attacks and killings of farmers by armed herdsmen, particularly in the Local Government Areas of Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer-West, Gwer-East and Buruku.
“These unprovoked attacks have disrupted farming activities at a critical time,” the council warned.
“If the trend continues, it could lead to mass hunger and exacerbate the ongoing national food crisis.”
They called on all herders to immediately begin the process of withdrawal from Tiv lands, stressing that the safety of farmers and the success of the 2025 planting season must be prioritized.
The monarchs also appealed to traditional and political leaders in the affected LGAs to engage in peaceful dialogue with herdsmen to ensure a non-violent relocation.
“The Council therefore RESOLVED amongst other things to: “Appeal to all herders in Tiv Kingdom in Benue State to vacate all Tiv lands before the end of May 2025 to allow farmers return and cultivate their farms in order to avoid the hunger ahead in the nation.
“Request the state government to kindly create the enabling environment to allow herders’ peaceful exit of farmlands in Tiv Kingdom to facilitate resumption of farming activities.”
