The Tiv Area Traditional Council has issued a directive requiring all herders to vacate Tiv lands by the end of May 2025. This decision, according to the council, follows a surge in attacks on farmers, which has raised concerns about food insecurity in Benue State and beyond.
The council’s emergency meeting, held at the Tor Tiv’s palace in Gboko, emphasized the urgent need to protect farmers and ensure the success of the 2025 planting season. The meeting was presided over by His Royal Majesty, Orcivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse.
The meeting was also 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 herders, 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.”
The council 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 Tiv Area Traditional Council has called on the state government to facilitate a peaceful exit of herders from Tiv lands, enabling farmers to resume their activities without fear.
“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.”
The council also requested the government to create an enabling environment for herders’ peaceful relocation.
