In a bold move to address the escalating security crisis in Benue State, Nigeria, traditional rulers have extended a 14-day ultimatum to nomadic Fulani herdsmen and suspected terrorists to vacate farmlands across the state. The announcement, made during a high-profile Town Hall Meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, underscores the growing frustration with persistent violence that has plagued the region, threatening lives, livelihoods, and communal harmony. Led by the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Chief John Elaigwu Odogbo, the traditional leaders issued the directive as a decisive step toward restoring peace in a state long regarded as Nigeria’s food basket.
A Region Under Siege
Benue State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has been a flashpoint for conflict between farmers and nomadic herders for decades. The state’s fertile lands, ideal for agriculture, have made it a hotspot for clashes over land use, particularly between indigenous farming communities and Fulani herdsmen, whose cattle often graze on crops, leading to disputes. In recent years, these tensions have escalated into deadly violence, with armed groups—often identified as Fulani militias—accused of orchestrating attacks on rural communities. Killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property have left many Benue residents living in fear, with entire villages displaced and farmlands abandoned.
The traditional rulers’ ultimatum comes on the heels of a particularly turbulent period. Reports of attacks by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen have surged, with communities in local government areas such as Guma, Makurdi, Logo, and Agatu bearing the brunt of the violence. These incidents have not only claimed lives but also crippled the state’s agricultural output, threatening food security in a region that supplies much of Nigeria’s yams, rice, and other staples. The situation has reached a breaking point, prompting the traditional rulers to take a stand.
The Town Hall Meeting
The Town Hall Meeting, held on May 29, 2025, at the Government House in Makurdi, was convened to mark the second anniversary of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration. However, the event took on a grave tone as the state’s traditional leaders seized the opportunity to address the security crisis head-on. The Tor Tiv, a revered figure among the Tiv ethnic group, and the Och’Idoma, the paramount ruler of the Idoma people, spoke with a unified voice, reflecting the collective resolve of Benue’s diverse communities.
His Royal Majesty Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, a respected academic and traditional leader, delivered a passionate address, condemning the “incessant attacks” on innocent farmers and villagers. He emphasized that the ultimatum was not an act of aggression but a necessary measure to protect the lives and livelihoods of Benue’s people. “We cannot continue to watch our people being slaughtered like animals,” he said. “The time for dialogue has been exhausted. Those who choose violence over peace must leave our lands.”
Echoing these sentiments, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Chief John Elaigwu Odogbo, highlighted the cultural and economic toll of the crisis. “Our farmlands are our heritage, our source of pride and survival,” he stated. “We will not allow strangers to desecrate them.” The 14-day extension to the original ultimatum, which was set to expire by the end of May 2025, was described as a final opportunity for compliance before stricter measures are enforced.
Context of the Ultimatum
The extended ultimatum follows an earlier directive issued by the traditional rulers, which had demanded that nomadic herders and suspected armed groups leave Benue’s farmlands within a specified timeframe. The decision to extend the deadline by an additional 14 days reflects a cautious approach, balancing the need for decisive action with the desire to avoid further escalation. However, the rulers made it clear that this was not a sign of weakness but a final gesture of leniency.
The directive specifically targets nomadic herders engaged in open grazing, a practice that has long been a source of conflict in Benue. In 2017, the state government passed the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, commonly known as the Anti-Open Grazing Law, to address the issue. The law bans open grazing and requires herders to operate within designated ranches, a move aimed at reducing clashes between farmers and herders. While the law initially showed promise, enforcement has been inconsistent, and armed attacks have continued, often attributed to herders resisting the policy.
The Role of Governor Alia’s Administration
Governor Hyacinth Alia, a Catholic priest-turned-politician, has made security a cornerstone of his administration since taking office in 2023. His government has pledged to strengthen the Anti-Open Grazing Law and enhance security operations to curb banditry and terrorism. During the Town Hall Meeting, Alia commended the traditional rulers for their leadership and vowed to work closely with them to ensure peace. “We stand with our royal fathers in this fight for justice,” he said. “Benue will not be a haven for criminals.”
The state government has also intensified efforts to support displaced communities, providing relief materials and rebuilding infrastructure damaged in attacks. However, challenges remain, including limited resources and the need for coordination with federal security agencies, which have been criticized for their slow response to the crisis.
What Lies Ahead?
As the 14-day ultimatum ticks down, all eyes are on Benue State. The traditional rulers have called on security agencies, community leaders, and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. They have also urged herders who wish to remain in the state to comply with the Anti-Open Grazing Law by adopting ranching, a practice seen as a sustainable solution to the conflict.
The situation remains fluid, with potential for both resolution and further escalation. For the people of Benue, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome of this ultimatum will not only shape the state’s security landscape but also set a precedent for addressing similar conflicts across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
For now, the message from Benue’s traditional rulers is clear: peace is non-negotiable, and those who threaten it must leave—or face the consequences. As the deadline approaches, the nation watches to see whether this bold stand will bring an end to the violence or mark the beginning of a new chapter in one of Nigeria’s most protracted conflicts.
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