Benue Traditional Rulers Issue Final 14-Day Ultimatum to Herders

Traditional rulers in Benue State have issued a fresh and final 14-day ultimatum to nomadic herders and suspected terrorist groups, directing them to immediately vacate the state’s farmlands or face severe repercussions.

The stern warning was jointly declared by the Tor Tiv and Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, alongside the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Chief John Elaigwu Odogbo, during a Town Hall Meeting held at the New Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.

The meeting was part of events marking Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s second year in office and was convened by Solomon Iorpev, the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communications.

Addressing a cross-section of Benue stakeholders, the royal fathers condemned the escalating insecurity in the state, especially the killings of rural residents allegedly perpetrated by armed militias suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

“Due to the alarming rise in violent attacks, where our people are being slaughtered in their homes, we are giving all nomadic herders and terrorist elements 14 days to vacate Benue lands,” the traditional council declared. “We will not stand by while our people are being murdered. This is a matter of survival for us.”

Also present at the meeting were Deputy Governor Sam Ode (who represented Governor Alia), the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Chenge, as well as local government chairpersons, commissioners, special advisers, traditional and religious leaders, youth and women groups, labour unions, pensioners, and student representatives.

The NELSDAILY had previously reported a similar ultimatum issued earlier this year, giving herders until the end of May to withdraw from Benue farmlands — a deadline that has since elapsed.

With tensions mounting and local communities on edge, this renewed ultimatum underscores the resolve of Benue’s traditional leadership to defend their ancestral lands and ensure the safety of indigenous populations.