In a bold and urgent response to the growing insecurity plaguing Benue State’s Idoma communities, the paramount ruler of the Idoma Nation, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, has issued a directive for the immediate evacuation of all armed Fulani herdsmen from Idoma land. The monarch’s pronouncement came after an emergency meeting held at the Och’Idoma’s Palace in Otukpo on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
The meeting, convened under tense circumstances, brought together members of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, local government chairmen, and security stakeholders. The gathering was triggered by a series of violent attacks attributed to suspected armed herdsmen, resulting in multiple casualties across several Idoma communities in recent weeks.
In a communique released after the meeting, the council condemned the “heinous acts of violence” that have disrupted farming, endangered local economies, and instilled fear among residents.
“All armed herdsmen are to be persuaded and directed to leave Idoma land immediately to prevent further conflicts and senseless killings of Idoma sons and daughters,” the communique declared.
The council emphasized the urgent need to restore peace and normalcy, citing that the attacks have led to displacement of residents, destruction of farmlands, and disruption of the upcoming farming season — a crucial time for food security in the region.
The monarch and his council appealed to the Benue State Government and security agencies to swiftly enforce the directive and establish a permanent security presence in the affected areas.
“We are calling on the Benue State Government to engage relevant herder associations to facilitate a peaceful withdrawal and to vacate illegally occupied farmlands,” said one of the local chiefs, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The traditional council also proposed the revival of community vigilante networks and increased collaboration with the police and Nigerian Army to monitor border communities that are vulnerable to infiltration.
This development marks a significant escalation in long-standing tensions between farming communities in Benue State and itinerant herders. The conflict, largely fueled by disputes over land use, cattle grazing, and lack of enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, has resulted in hundreds of deaths and property loss over the last decade.
Though the Federal Government has repeatedly promised to address the crisis through ranching policies and security interventions, many local leaders argue that implementation has been slow and ineffective.
Community members have widely welcomed the monarch’s directive, viewing it as a necessary stance to protect lives and uphold territorial sovereignty.
“It’s high time the traditional rulers speak with one voice against these continued massacres. We can’t keep burying our people in silence,” said Mr. Joseph Ejembi, a resident of Otukpo.
The council further called on residents across Idoma land to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives. Citizens were encouraged to report suspicious activities, unauthorized gatherings, or unfamiliar faces in their localities.
The Och’Idoma’s pronouncement follows similar declarations from other traditional authorities in Benue, including the Tiv Traditional Council, which recently gave herdsmen an ultimatum to leave their territories by the end of May. These coordinated actions indicate a growing resolve among Benue’s indigenous groups to reclaim control over ancestral lands amid government inaction.
As of Friday, no official statement had been released by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) regarding the directive. However, analysts predict that tensions may rise unless there is prompt mediation between herder groups and state authorities.
The directive from the Och’Idoma serves as a critical flashpoint in the ongoing herder-farmer crisis in Benue State. With over a decade of sporadic violence and failed negotiations, the royal order is a direct appeal for accountability and immediate action. Whether it will lead to a de-escalation or further confrontation depends on the speed and sincerity of the government’s response.
As Benue State prepares for the rainy season and a new agricultural cycle, the people of Idoma land hope that this royal intervention marks a turning point toward lasting peace and security.