By Joe Ekel
The
traditional ruler of Otukpo Kingdom in Benue State, Chief John Eimonye, has
ordered all herders to leave every part of the kingdom with immediate effect
following a deadly attack that claimed several lives in Nobi Village.
The
decision came in the wake of Sunday's violence in Otukpo District, where armed
men believed to be herders reportedly attacked the community on 12 July 2026.
The latest bloodshed has deepened fears among residents and renewed concerns
over the worsening security situation across parts of the kingdom.
Announcing
the directive, the monarch said the safety of his people could no longer be
taken for granted. He maintained that the continued presence of herders in the
area had become a major security concern and that urgent action was needed to
prevent further loss of life.
His
position was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary of the Otukpo
District Traditional Council, Chief Udeh Adole. According to the statement, the
decision followed repeated incidents of violence that have left many
communities living in fear and uncertainty.
Chief
Eimonye was careful to state that the order should not be viewed as an act of
hostility or discrimination against any ethnic group or community. Instead, he
described it as a temporary but necessary security measure aimed at restoring
calm and protecting innocent residents whose lives have continued to be
threatened by recurring attacks.
The
monarch said the latest killings in Nobi Village reflected a growing pattern of
violence that could no longer be ignored. He noted that many people across
Otukpo Kingdom now live with constant fear because of repeated attacks
allegedly linked to armed herders, adding that the situation had placed
communities under enormous pressure.
He
also expressed disappointment over what he described as the continued failure
to adequately protect the people despite the recurring violence. According to
him, many residents have been left feeling exposed as attacks continue without
sufficient intervention to stop those responsible.
Chief
Eimonye declared that his foremost responsibility as the traditional ruler was
to protect the lives, property and heritage of the people of Otukpo Kingdom. He
insisted that no individual or group would be allowed to threaten the peace of
the area or force local communities from their ancestral homeland.
He
further stated that the people of the Otukpo Abakwu Kingdom remained united in
their determination to preserve their ancestral land and safeguard their
communities. While reaffirming their commitment to peace, he stressed that the
kingdom would not stand by while insecurity continued to spread.
The
monarch appealed to security agencies to respond swiftly to the latest
development by increasing their presence across vulnerable communities and
taking firm action against those behind the attacks. He urged the relevant
authorities to strengthen efforts to prevent further violence and reassure
residents that their safety remains a priority.
He
also called on government at all levels to treat the worsening security
situation with the urgency it deserves, warning that continued attacks could
further destabilise affected communities if decisive measures are not taken.
The
directive marks one of the strongest responses yet from the traditional
institution following the latest wave of violence in Otukpo District. It
reflects growing frustration among local leaders who say repeated attacks have
continued to disrupt farming, displace families and leave communities
struggling to rebuild after each incident.
For
many residents, the attack on Nobi Village was another painful reminder of the
insecurity that has persisted in parts of Benue State. The latest order from
the Och'Otukpo Odu signals the determination of the traditional leadership to
prioritise the protection of lives while pressing security authorities to take
stronger and more effective action against those responsible for the recurring
violence.
As
tension remains high across the kingdom, attention is now focused on how
security agencies and government authorities will respond to the monarch's
appeal and whether fresh measures will help restore confidence and lasting
peace in the affected communities.
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