The Tiv Area Traditional Council has ordered all herders to vacate Tiv lands by the end of May 2025.

The monarchs cited continued attacks on farmers and growing concerns over food insecurity in Benue State and across the country.

The resolution followed an emergency meeting held at the palace of the Tor Tiv in Gboko, presided over by His Royal Majesty, Orcivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse.

The meeting was 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.

They also appealed to traditional and political leaders in the affected LGAs to engage in peaceful dialogue with herders to ensure a non-violent 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.”