‘We won’t leave’ – Fulani herdsmen defy Benue Traditional rulers’ quit notice

Suspected herdsmen in Benue State have dismissed a recent 14-day quit notice issued by traditional rulers, warning nomadic herders and alleged terrorists to vacate the state’s farmlands or face dire consequences.

The ultimatum was jointly declared by the Tor Tiv and Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Chief John Elaigwu Odogbo, during a town hall meeting held at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House, Makurdi.

The directive, which is set to expire on June 13, aims to curb persistent attacks and displacement of farming communities, IDOMA VOICE observed.

However, despite the stern warning, attacks by suspected herdsmen have continued across parts of the state.

In the latest incident, over 25 people were reportedly killed in Edikwu Ankpali, while several others lost their lives in Naka, both in brutal assaults believed to have been carried out by armed herdsmen.

The renewed violence has sparked widespread protests across the state, with many residents calling on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Benue.

Amid the tension, a young man believed to be a Fulani herdsman has taken to social media to ridicule the traditional rulers’ directive, describing it as “a joke.”

In a now-viral video, the man, identified only as Ibrahim and believed to be in his 20s, argued that many Fulani people were born and raised in Benue and should not be told to leave.

“Take it or leave it, fighting each other will never solve the problems in Benue State. This is coming from a young Fulani man—I’m Ibrahim, and I’m not joking,” he said.

“Both the tribes living in Benue Tiv, Idoma, Fulani we need to organize a meeting involving all traditional rulers, both Fulani and indigenous. That’s the only way forward. Asking Fulani people to leave the state is unacceptable and can’t happen. Many of us were born and raised here.”

“The solution is dialogue, not conflict. The traditional leaders must come together to find a lasting solution. Fighting each other will only worsen the situation.”

As of press time, Idoma Voice could not independently verify whether the speaker was representing other herdsmen in the state or acting in a personal capacity.