Benue monarchs decry herdsmen attacks in Gwer West LG

Traditional rulers in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, on Saturday, rose from an expanded extraordinary meeting, declaring that armed herders have attacked all 15 council wards in the area.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the meeting and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday.

The meeting of the Gwer West Traditional Council was held at the palace of the Ter Tyoshin in Naka and presided over by His Royal Highness, Daniel Abomtse.

The council warned against any form of negotiation with herders for the purpose of ceding land within the local government area.

According to the communiqué, which was signed by other traditional rulers and prominent individuals in the council, youths were urged to mobilize and remain vigilant in their various communities.

The traditional rulers called on all sons and daughters of Tyoshin to show commitment to addressing the insecurity in the land, in whatever capacity they may be called upon to serve.

Part of the communiqué read:

“The sitting vehemently condemned the unabated activities of marauding herdsmen, who consistently attack, murder, rape, and maim our people, destroy houses and farms, and lay siege to communities across all fifteen (15) council wards. The council appeals to the government to continue supporting the people in driving away these invaders.”

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The monarchs acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in addressing the insecurity in Gwer West but urged them to intensify their operations.

They also charged traditional rulers to take full responsibility for the security of their communities and to exercise their traditional authority without betraying the trust reposed in them as custodians of the land.

“No one is permitted to negotiate with herders for the purpose of ceding land, co-existence, or entering into any form of agreement on behalf of the people of Gwer West. Anyone found doing so will be handed over to law enforcement agencies,” the statement added.

The council further called on the youth to remain vigilant and continue protecting their communities.

While also urging the youth to show remorse and apologize for acts of arson, looting, and the burning of Ter Tyoshin’s palace and properties belonging to individuals, the monarchs condemned the rise of cultism and warned against any form of criminal activity.