Following the continued cases of kidnappings, killings, and other criminal activities, the traditional ruler of Ekperi Kingdom in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, His Royal Highness, Alhaji D.Y.E Kanoba, has allegedly given a quit notice to all herdsmen and their families in the community.
DAILY POST reports that the traditional ruler issued the quit notice during a meeting with leaders of herdsmen and others in his palace.
A viral video in which the traditional ruler gave the order has been trending across various social media platforms, particularly on the Auchi Blog Spot Facebook page.
It was gathered that the directive followed repeated cases of kidnapping, farm destruction, and violent attacks allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen in the kingdom.
It was also reported that the order from the traditional ruler was intended to forestall possible reprisal attacks from aggrieved youths.
According to him, “I do not want a situation where our youths will take up arms in anger. To avoid further crises, I am peacefully appealing to the herders to leave the Ekperi community now before the youths of the community run out of patience.
“I don’t want anybody to attack you people. The DPO has gone to Benin City for a briefing. I advise you that immediately after this meeting, they should go to their camps and pack their belongings.
“We can no longer tolerate the ongoing attacks on our people and crop damage. Our people’s safety is paramount, and we cannot allow this to continue.
“I do not want the situation to escalate to our people, mostly the youth, taking law into their hands. We must address this matter peacefully and with order, ensuring that no violence is perpetrated.
“I kneel down, and I also beg you all with the name of God, you people should pack your properties and leave my community.”
The traditional ruler alleged that security agencies, including the Divisional Police Officer, have been notified of the decision to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
He stated that the people of the community have endured relentless attacks, including kidnappings of locals for ransom, destruction of farmlands by cattle, the ruining of livelihoods, as well as violent assaults and alleged rape cases.
He said the residents could no longer tolerate the terror, with many farmers now too afraid to work on their lands.
