Chief John Eimonye, the Och’Otukpo Odu, has ordered all herders to vacate the Otukpo Kingdom in Benue State immediately after a deadly attack on Nobi Village.The directive followed reports of armed men, suspected herders, invading the community on July 12, 2026, and killing several residents.

In a statement by the Otukpo District Traditional Council Secretary, Chief Udeh Adole, Eimonye cited worsening security threats and repeated attacks as reasons for the order.

He emphasized that herders’ presence posed a major risk to residents’ safety, stressing the decision wasn’t based on prejudice but to prevent further violence and restore peace.

The monarch expressed concern over recurring attacks linked to armed herders and criticized the lack of government support for vulnerable communities.He vowed to protect ancestral lands and called on security agencies to act urgently.The move comes after heightened tensions in Otukpo following the Nobi attack, which sparked fears of renewed violence.Eimonye urged authorities to apprehend perpetrators and ensure residents can live without fear.The order highlights ongoing conflicts between herders and local communities in the region.