Following the attack on Otukpo Nobi Village in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on Sunday by suspected armed herders, the Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief John Eimonye, has directed all herders to vacate every part of Otukpo land with immediate effect.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Otukpo District Traditional Council, Chief Udeh Adole, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday.
Recall that gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia invaded Otukpo Nobi in the early hours of Sunday, killing 18 persons in their sleep and injuring several others.
The statement said the decision comes in response to growing concerns that the continued presence of herders has posed a serious threat to the safety and well-being of the peaceful people of the Otukpo Kingdom.
The traditional ruler stated that the directive should not be interpreted as an act of prejudice or profiling against any group but should be seen as the appeal of a leader and father who wants to secure his people and community.
He said: “This directive should not be interpreted as an act of prejudice or profiling against any group. Rather, it is the heartfelt appeal of a deeply concerned leader and father who is seeking to protect the lives, security, and peace of his people in the face of repeated security challenges.”
The royal father, while lamenting the ugly incident, decried what he described as the continued neglect of his people, who have been left at the mercy of marauding herders.
He vowed that the Otukpo District under his watch would never be captured by any interest and categorically stated that the people of the Otukpo Abakwu Kingdom would defend their land at all costs.
(The Sun)