The traditional council of the Tiv area has issued a 10 -day ultimatum to the shepherds who occupy agricultural land throughout the Kingdom in the state of Benue, asking for their peaceful retreat to allow the resumption of agricultural activities.
The directive was announced after an emergency meeting held in the Tor Tiv palace in Gboko, and was chaired by the Prime Minister, his real majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv.
The Council has commissioned the political leaders that the traditional in each area of ββthe local government struck to involve the shepherds in dialogue to facilitate their peaceful release before the end of May 2025. This measure, according to the Council, is essential to restore agricultural activities and prevent the lack of looming food.
By expressing a profound concern for the occupation of agricultural land, the Council warned that the continuous pasture and violence against farmers could exacerbate hunger not only in the kingdom of Tiv, but throughout Nigeria.
The communities affected by the presence of shepherds include Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer West, Gwer East and Buruku Local Government areas.
The advice complained that agriculture stopped in many areas due to the destruction of crops, the displacement of farmers and the episodes of violence linked to the shepherds.
By appealing for a peaceful resolution, the Tor Tiv and his advice stressed that they are working in collaboration with the government authorities to guarantee a favorable environment for the orderly departure of the shepherds and with a safe return of farmers to their lands.