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Tiv Traditional Council Urges Herders to Vacate Farmlands by May to Prevent Food Crisis

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 23rd, 2025.

Tiv Traditional Council Urges Herders to Vacate Farmlands by May to Prevent Food Crisis

The Tiv Area Traditional Council has called on the Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, to take immediate steps to ensure the peaceful withdrawal of herders from farmlands throughout the Tiv region. The Council warned that continued disruption of agricultural activities could lead to severe food shortages.

This resolution was made during an emergency session held at the Tor Tiv’s Palace in Gboko, chaired by His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ayatse. The Council instructed traditional and political leaders in all Tiv-speaking local government areas to initiate calm and constructive discussions with herders, aiming for their nonviolent departure from affected territories.

According to a communiqué released by the Council Secretary, Mr. Shinyi Tyozua, herders are expected to leave Tiv farmlands no later than May 31, 2025. The Council cautioned that inaction could worsen hunger and economic challenges, not only within Benue State but across the country.

“Farming has been severely disrupted in many communities due to the presence of herders on farmlands and recurring violence that has driven farmers away,” the statement read.

The most impacted areas include Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer West, Gwer East, and Buruku, where the Council reported a drastic drop in agricultural productivity due to ongoing insecurity and the occupation of farmland by armed pastoralists.

The Tor Tiv and the Council emphasized the need to recover farmland without sparking violence. They called on the government to take firm but peaceful measures to restore safety and support thousands of farming families across the region.

This appeal comes at a time when rising food prices and widespread insecurity continue to strain Nigeria’s food supply, further highlighting the urgency of addressing the crisis in Benue’s agricultural heartland.