Traditional rulers in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State have opposed any form of negotiation with herders to cede land within the council.
This resolution was reached during an extraordinary expanded sitting of the Gwer West LG Traditional Council held on Saturday at the palace of the Ter Tyoshin in Naka.
The meeting, presided over by His Royal Highness, Daniel Abomtse, culminated in a communique made available to journalists on Monday.
The communique, jointly signed by traditional rulers and other prominent figures in the council, urged local youths to remain vigilant and mobilize to safeguard their communities.
Gwer West has suffered repeated violent attacks, allegedly by armed herders.
These incidents have resulted in destruction, including the burning of the Ter Tyoshin’s palace, the local government secretariat, and private properties, as youths protested continued killings and kidnappings in the area.
The traditional leaders condemned the persistent attacks by herders who they accused of murdering, raping, and displacing residents, as well as destroying homes and farmlands across all 15 council wards.
They called on the government to intensify support for efforts to repel these threats.
While acknowledging the work of security agencies, the council urged them to increase their presence and actions in the affected communities.
Traditional rulers were reminded to uphold their responsibility as custodians of the land by exercising their authority to protect the people and maintain security.
The communique firmly stated:
“No individual is permitted to negotiate with herders on land matters, seek co-existence, or make any agreements on behalf of the people of Gwer West. Any such action will result in prosecution by law enforcement.”;
The council also called on the youth to express remorse and offer apologies for the acts of arson and destruction of property during recent protests.
They condemned cultism and urged young people to stay away from criminal activities.
