The Tiv Area Traditional Council has issued a directive requiring all herders to leave Tiv land by May 31, 2025.
This decision was made in response to ongoing attacks on farmers and the escalating threat of food insecurity in Benue State and beyond.
The resolution came after an emergency meeting held at the palace of the Tor Tiv in Gboko, chaired by His Royal Majesty, Orcivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse.
The meeting brought together all graded traditional rulers from across the Tiv Kingdom.
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In a communiqué signed by the council’s secretary, Shinyi Tyozua, the monarchs voiced deep concern over the continued violence against farmers by armed herders, especially in the local government areas of Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer-West, Gwer-East, and Buruku.
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“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.”
The council urged all herders to commence their withdrawal from Tiv lands without delay, emphasizing the need to protect farmers and ensure a successful 2025 planting season.
They also called on traditional and political leaders in the affected local government areas to initiate peaceful dialogue with herders to facilitate a calm and orderly 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.”
