Traditional rulers in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State have officially banned any form of negotiation or agreement with herders regarding land cession within the council area. This resolution was reached during an extraordinary expanded sitting of the Gwer West Traditional Council held at the palace of the Ter Tyoshin in Naka.
The council, led by His Royal Highness Daniel Abomtse, issued a communique jointly signed by traditional rulers and prominent local figures, which strictly prohibits any individual from negotiating with herders on land matters, seeking co-existence, or making agreements on behalf of the people of Gwer West. The communique warns that anyone found engaging in such negotiations will face prosecution by law enforcement agencies.
This firm stance comes in response to repeated violent attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders across all 15 council wards. The attacks have included murder, rape, destruction of homes and farmlands, and displacement of residents. The violence has also sparked protests by local youths, which led to the burning of the Ter Tyoshin’s palace, the local government secretariat, and private properties.
The traditional council condemned the herders’ actions and called on the government to intensify support for security efforts to protect the communities. While acknowledging the work of security agencies, the council urged them to increase their presence and effectiveness in the affected areas.
Traditional rulers were reminded of their responsibility as custodians of the land to exercise their authority in safeguarding their people and maintaining security. The council also appealed to local youths to remain vigilant, mobilize to protect their communities, and desist from criminal activities such as cultism. They further called on the youth to express remorse and apologize for the destruction caused during recent protests.
The resolution underscores the deepening insecurity in Gwer West and the determination of traditional leaders to resist any land cession to herders, emphasizing unity and collective action to restore peace in the area.
