Traditional rulers in Benue State have issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum to nomadic herders and suspected terrorists, demanding they vacate the state's farmlands or face severe consequences.

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

The meeting, which formed part of activities marking Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia's second year in office, was organized by the office of the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communications, Solomon Iorpev.

Rising Security Concerns

In their address, the traditional rulers expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating security situation across the state, particularly highlighting the killings allegedly perpetrated by armed militias suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

"Due to the alarming escalation of violent attacks, in which innocent indigenous residents are being gruesomely murdered in their homes, we are issuing a 14-day ultimatum to all nomadic herders and terrorist elements to leave Benue lands immediately," the traditional council declared.

They emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We can no longer fold our arms while our people are slaughtered without justification. This is a matter of survival for our communities."

Previous Ultimatum

This latest directive follows a previous ultimatum that had given herders until the end of May to vacate Benue farmlands. The extension suggests ongoing challenges in implementing the initial order.

Notable Attendees

The town hall meeting was attended by several high-ranking government officials, including Deputy Governor Sam Ode, who represented Governor Alia. Other attendees included the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Chenge, local government chairpersons, commissioners, special advisers, religious and traditional leaders, political stakeholders, youth and women groups, civil servants, pensioners, labor unions, and student representatives.

The ultimatum comes amid growing tensions between farming communities and herders in Benue State, which has experienced recurring violent conflicts over land use in recent years.