The traditional ruler of the Idoma tribe in Benue State, HRM, Chief Elias Ekoyi Obekpa has stated that over 10 villages in his kingdom are still under the siege of rampaging Fulani herdsmen.
According to the Och’Idoma, the affected villages include, Ocholoyan, Akpeko, Olegomakwu, Olegoyinlo, Nahim and Olegotekwu among others.
The monarch, who was addressing the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom during his visit to some ravaged communities on Tuesday, posited that the menace of the Fulani herdsmen had turned into a real insurgency beyond herders/farmers clashes.
Represented by the Odejok’Apa, Chief John Anteyin, the Och’Idoma explained that the villages still under siege are the ones sharing boundaries with Nasarawa State and Gwer-West Local Government Area in Benue.
He however commended the Governor for his concern which had resulted in the deployment of military officers to Agatu.
He further noted that members of Okokolo community and environs were now eager to return home but cannot do so, for fear of the herders.
The Och’Idoma urged Ortom to ensure the deployment of soldiers and other security operatives to areas under siege as well as communities where villagers were yet to return.
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