The Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief John Eimonye, has ordered all herders to leave Otukpo Kingdom in Benue State with immediate effect following a deadly attack on a local community.
The directive comes after an attack on Nobi Village in Otukpo District on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in which several residents were reportedly killed. The incident has heightened security concerns across the area.
In a statement issued by the Secretary of the Otukpo District Traditional Council, Chief Udeh Adole, the monarch described the continued presence of herders as a growing threat to the safety and well-being of the people.
He clarified that the order was not targeted at any ethnic or social group but was a necessary step to restore peace and protect lives.
Chief Eimonye expressed concern over repeated attacks allegedly linked to armed herders and decried what he called ongoing neglect by authorities, leaving residents vulnerable.
He vowed that the Otukpo Abakwu Kingdom would not be overrun under his leadership and reaffirmed the community’s resolve to defend its ancestral land.
The monarch also called on security agencies and relevant authorities to urgently intervene and strengthen protection for residents.
Leave feedback about this