Otukpo monarch orders armed herders, bandits to leave domain

By Uche Nnorom

The traditional ruler of Otukpo District, Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief Dr John Eimonye, has ordered all armed herders and bandits operating within his domain to leave every part of the district immediately.

The directive followed Sunday’s deadly attack on Otukpo Nobi Village in Benue State, where suspected armed herders reportedly killed more than 16 people and left several others with serious injuries.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Otukpo District Traditional Council, Chief Udeh Adole, the monarch said the order became necessary following growing concerns over the persistent security threats posed by armed criminals operating in the area.

According to the statement, the continued presence of armed herders and bandits has endangered the lives, safety and peaceful coexistence of residents across the Otukpo Kingdom.

Chief Eimonye stressed that the directive should not be interpreted as an act of prejudice or ethnic profiling against any group.

He said, “This directive should not be misconstrued as an act of prejudice or profiling against any group. Rather, it is a passionate appeal from a deeply concerned leader and father determined to protect the lives, security and peace of his people in the face of repeated security challenges.”

The royal father expressed grief over the latest attack, lamenting what he described as the repeated abandonment of his people to the activities of marauding armed herders and bandits.

He vowed not to relent in efforts to safeguard the district from further attacks.

“I remain committed to protecting my people from invaders and will continue to do everything within my authority to ensure their safety and security,” the monarch said.