By Opeyemi Adelakun
The paramount ruler of Otukpo Kingdom in Benue State, the Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief John Eimonye, has ordered all herders residing or operating within the kingdom to leave immediately following a fresh deadly attack on a community in the area.
The directive came in the wake of Sunday’s attack on Nobi Village in Otukpo District by gunmen suspected to be armed herders, an assault that left several residents dead and heightened fears over the deteriorating security situation in the kingdom.
In a statement issued by the Otukpo District Traditional Council and signed by its Secretary, Chief Udeh Adole, the monarch said the decision became necessary to safeguard lives and prevent further bloodshed.
Chief Eimonye said protecting residents had become paramount as repeated attacks continued to spread fear across communities and undermine public safety.
The monarch stressed that the directive should not be interpreted as being targeted at any ethnic group, insisting that it was strictly a security measure aimed at restoring peace and protecting innocent lives.
He lamented the recurring attacks on communities within the kingdom, noting that many families had suffered devastating losses while residents continued to live under the constant threat of violence.
Expressing frustration over the persistent insecurity, the traditional ruler declared that the people of Otukpo would not allow criminal elements to continue operating within their ancestral land unchecked.
He called on security agencies to intensify operations across vulnerable communities, track down those responsible for the latest killings and ensure they face justice.
Chief Eimonye also appealed to both the Federal and Benue State governments to take decisive steps to halt the recurring violence and restore confidence among residents.
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