The Gwer West Local Government Traditional Council has condemned the continued siege laid by armed herdsmen on 15 council wards in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, decrying widespread attacks, including rape, murder, and the destruction of homes and farmlands.
This condemnation was issued in a communiqué released following the council’s extraordinary expanded sitting held over the weekend in Naka, the LGA’s administrative headquarters. The monarchs gathered to deliberate on the escalating security crisis affecting their communities.
The meeting comes in the wake of violent protests that erupted in March after armed herders reportedly killed members of the state’s local security outfit. In response, enraged youths took to the streets of Naka, setting ablaze several properties, including the Local Government Secretariat, the palace of the area’s traditional ruler, and residences belonging to prominent indigenes.
Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating security situation, the monarchs lauded the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia for the steps taken thus far to confront the menace in both the local government and the state at large. The Council also reaffirmed its loyalty to Governor Alia, the Tor Tiv, HRM Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, the Tiv Area Traditional Council, and the Ter Tyoshin, HRH Daniel Ayua Abomtse, for their roles in peace-building.
According to the communiqué, “The sitting thanked the Governor for his visit to Naka to sympathise with the Tyoshin people over killings occasioned by armed herdsmen and the destruction caused by the violent protest of March 11, 2025, which led to the razing of the palace of the Ter Tyoshin, HRH Daniel Ayua Abomtse, the palace of the Mue Ter Raav, HRH Peter Ormin, as well as houses belonging to other prominent persons of the local government, and the burning of the local government secretariat during the civil disturbance.
“The sitting vehemently condemned the unabated activities of marauding herdsmen, who wittingly attack, murder, rape, and maim our people, destroying houses and farms, and laying siege on all communities cutting across 15 Council Wards and appealed to Government to continue to support the people with the aim of sending away the enemy.”;
The Council acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in repelling the incursions and called for intensified efforts to protect vulnerable communities. Traditional rulers in the area were urged to “take charge of their communities and exercise traditional authority in ensuring the security and safety of their people and not betray the trust reposed in them as custodians of the lands and the areas within their domain.”;
They further warned against any form of land negotiations with herders, stating, “Nobody is allowed to negotiate with herders to cede land, co-existence or strike any deal on behalf of the people of Gwer West. Any person found wanting in this regard shall be handed over to law enforcement agents.”;
The youth of Gwer West were also called upon to remain vigilant and to show remorse over past actions, particularly their involvement in arson and destruction during the March protests.
“The youth of Gwer West should endeavour to show remorse and apology over acts of arson, looting, sacking and burning of Ter Tyoshin’s palace, annex and extension buildings, and also properties of other individuals,”; the communiqué read.
The monarchs also condemned the rising activities of cultists and criminal elements, urging the youth to shun all forms of criminality and violence. They appealed to all sons and daughters of Tyoshin to commit themselves to the collective struggle against insecurity, setting aside personal differences in pursuit of peace and the common good.
