The Idoma Area Traditional Council of Benue State has called on the state and federal governments to increase patrols, deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable areas, and conduct conflict resolution training to deter future violence.
They also urged a review of land policies to promote equitable access, ensuring the sustainable use of land resources that will benefit both farming and herding activities in the area.
These and other recommendations were contained in a communiqué signed by the Secretary of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, Adegbe Sundaeh, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Makurdi on Friday.
The traditional council also called on the state government to ensure that Fulani herdsmen vacate farmlands to enable farmers to resume agricultural activities.
The resolution was made at Och’Idoma Palace during an emergency meeting of traditional rulers and local government councils, themed ‘Security Concerns, Land Use, and Peacebuilding in Idoma’.
The communiqué read in part:
“All residents and stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to support peace efforts and prevent further violence.
“Stakeholders, including community leaders, farmers, local herders, and security agencies, are encouraged to participate in ongoing dialogue sessions designed to foster mutual understanding, trust, and sustainable coexistence.
“The authorities are called upon to review land policies and promote equitable access, ensuring the sustainable use of land resources that benefit both farming and herding activities.
“The government is advised to increase patrols, deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable areas, and conduct conflict resolution training to deter future violence.
“It is unanimously agreed that the state government should discuss and ensure that Fulani herdsmen vacate farmlands to allow farmers to resume agricultural activities without threat or intimidation. All armed herdsmen should be persuaded and directed to leave the area immediately to prevent further conflicts.
“The enforcement of laws against illegal arms, criminal activities, and unauthorised land use must be prioritised, with offenders prosecuted to uphold law and order.”
The Idoma traditional rulers also advised the government to provide rehabilitation, counselling, and support services to communities and individuals affected by violence and displacement, in collaboration with relevant agencies.
Additionally, they demanded that, since the state’s anti-open grazing law remains in effect, law enforcement agencies should arrest and prosecute any individuals or groups violating the law.
The traditional rulers directed all nine local government chairmen in the area to ensure full compliance with these directives and to coordinate activities with security agencies to facilitate peace and security in the region.
They further urged the federal and state governments to demonstrate the political will to implement these resolutions by strengthening the security architecture in Idoma Land and Benue State in general.
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