Benue: Idoma traditional council urges FG, State Gov’t to tackle insecurity

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Idoma Area Traditional Council has called on the Federal and State Governments to show the political will in  strengthening the security architecture in Idoma Land and Benue State, in general to prevent frequent attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in the area.

This call formed part of the resolution reached at the end of the  of the Emergency Meeting of the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) and the Idoma Local Government Council Chairmen Held on the 21st May, 2025 at Och’Idoma’s Palace, Otukpo, Benue State.

The meeting, which had its theme, Security Concerns, Land Use, and Peacebuilding in Idoma, lamented over the heinous act of violence that resulted in the tragic loss of lives in Idoma Kingdom, perpetrated by armed herdsmen and condoled  families of the victims, whose lives were senselessly cut short.

In a communiqué signed by  Secretary of the Council,Adegbe Uloko Sundaeh, advised government to increase patrols, deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable areas, and conduct conflict resolution training to deter future violence.

Also, the gathering commended the thoughtful efforts of the state government in implementing measures to address the security challenges facing the region, maintaining that their proactive engagement demonstrates a genuine commitment to the safety and well-being of our people, stressing the need to encourage continued and intensified cooperation, political will, suggesting that more strategic actions and resources are necessary to fully secure our homeland.

The meeting expressed appreciation to the dedicated security agencies operating within the Idoma Kingdom, noting their unwavering commitment and valor in safeguarding our communities to restoring and maintaining a semblance of peace.

Furthermore, the council recognized the sacrifices made by these brave men and women, some of whom have paid the ultimate price in the course of their duty.

The IATC unanimously agreed that the state government should discuss and prevail on Fulani herdsmen to vacate all farmlands to enable farmers to resume their agricultural activities without threat or intimidation.

“All armed herdsmen are to be persuaded and directed to leave the area immediately to prevent further conflicts.

“All residents and stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to support peace efforts and prevent further violence.

“Stakeholders, including community leaders, farmers, locally herders, and security agencies, are encouraged to participate in ongoing dialogue sessions designed to foster mutual understanding, trust, and sustainable coexistence.

“The authorities are called upon to review land policies and promote equitable access, ensuring sustainable use of land resources that benefit both farming and herding activities.

“Efforts should be made to provide rehabilitation, counseling, and support services to communities and individuals affected by violence and displacement, in collaboration with relevant agencies.

“The enforcement of laws against illegal arms, criminal activities, and unauthorized land use must be prioritized, with offenders prosecuted to uphold law and order.

“The Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment law, Benue State 2017 is still operational. The law enforcement agencies are hereby reminded to arrest and prosecute any person or a group of persons no matter how high or low they could be to instill sanity in the State. No one is above the law.

“The respective local governments Chairmen are responsible for ensuring full compliance with these directives and for coordinating activities with security agencies to facilitate peace and security in the region”, the communiqué read.