The traditional ruler of Otukpo Kingdom, Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief John Eimonye, has ordered all herders to vacate every part of the kingdom with immediate effect following a deadly attack on Nobi Village that claimed multiple lives. The monarch described the directive as an emergency security measure aimed at protecting residents amid recurring violence.

Tension has escalated in Benue State after the paramount ruler of Otukpo Kingdom ordered the immediate evacuation of herders from the area in the wake of another deadly attack blamed on suspected armed herders.

The directive followed Sunday’s assault on Nobi Village in Otukpo Local Government Area, an incident that left several residents dead and reignited concerns over persistent insecurity in parts of the state.

In a statement issued through the Otukpo District Traditional Council, Chief John Eimonye declared that all herders currently living or operating anywhere within Otukpo Kingdom must leave immediately.

The statement, signed by the council’s secretary, Chief Udeh Adole, said the decision became necessary because of repeated attacks that have continued to threaten lives and property across communities in the kingdom.

The traditional ruler stressed that the directive was not intended to target any ethnic group, insisting it was purely a security measure designed to prevent further bloodshed.

He lamented what he described as the prolonged suffering of residents, saying communities had endured repeated attacks while many families continued to live in fear.

Chief Eimonye also declared that his foremost responsibility was the protection of lives and property, adding that the kingdom would not stand by while insecurity persisted.

Beyond the evacuation order, the monarch called on federal and state authorities to strengthen security across vulnerable communities, arrest those responsible for the killings and restore confidence among residents.

He urged security agencies to intensify patrols and ensure that perpetrators of the latest attack are brought to justice.

The directive marks one of the strongest responses yet by a traditional institution to the wave of insecurity affecting parts of Benue State. As investigations into the latest killings continue, attention is now focused on how security agencies and government authorities will respond to the monarch’s demand and the broader security crisis in the region.