The Tiv Area Traditional Council has called on the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to create a conducive environment for the peaceful departure of herders from farmlands across Tiv Kingdom, to pave the way for the resumption of farming activities.
This resolution was reached during an emergency meeting held at the palace of the Tor Tiv in Gboko, chaired by His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse. The Council issued a directive to political and traditional leaders in all local government areas within Tiv Kingdom to initiate peaceful engagements with herders to ensure their exit from farming communities.
In a communiqué signed by the Council Secretary, Mr. Shinyi Tyozua, the Council specifically urged all herders in Benue State to vacate Tiv lands by the end of May 2025. This, it emphasized, is crucial to prevent an impending food crisis due to the disruption of agricultural activities.
The Council identified several communities most affected by the ongoing crisis, including Kwande, Katsina Ala, Logo, Ukum, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer West, Gwer East, and Buruku Local Government Areas. It lamented that farming has ground to a halt in many areas due to herders occupying farmlands, as well as violent attacks and killings that have forced many farmers to flee.
The Council warned that if the situation is not addressed urgently, it could escalate into widespread hunger in Tiv Kingdom and across Nigeria.
