From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Following the unprovoked attack on Akpachi and Otukpo Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on Saturday and Sunday by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen, the Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief John Eimonye, has directed all herders to vacate every part of Otukpo land with immediate effect.
Chief Eimonye has vowed that Otukpo District under his watch would never be captured as people of the Otukpo Abakwu Kingdom would defend their land at all costs
The royal father spoke in a statement issued by the Secretary of the Otukpo District Traditional Council, Chief Udeh Adole, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday.
Suspected armed herdsmen had launched fresh attacks on Otukpo Nobi and Akpachi village in the late hours of Saturday and the early hours of Sunday, killing 18 persons in their sleep and injuring several others.
The statement stated that 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 Och’Otukpo lamented over the ugly incident, saying that his people have continued to faced neglect and been left at the mercy of marauding herders.
