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A young herdsboy leads animals to feed in the bush in Lafia capital of Nasarawa State, northcentral Nigeria on January 4, 2018. Nomadic cattle herders have all but left Benue state, driven away by fighting over access to resources and a new law banning migratory herding, an age-old practice necessary for the survival of the livestock. More than 100 people have been killed since early January, with 100,000 fleeing their homes to safety, according to the local emergency management agency (SEMA). After months of inaction, the Nigerian army announced the imminent deployment of troops for "Operation Cat Race" in several city states, including Benue to end the violence. / AFP PHOTO / PIUS UTOMI EKPEI

Taraba Emir Issues Eviction Notice To Herders, Accuses Them Of Kidnapping

The Emir of Muri Empire in Taraba State, Abbas Tafida has issued a 30-day ultimatum to herders terrorizing residents of the state to vacate forests within the state or be forced to do so.

The Emir gave the ultimatum on Tuesday after Eid prayers.

This follows a rising spate of kidnappings, killings, and attacks in the state by criminals suspected to be herders.

He claimed that Fulani herders are responsible for perpetrating crimes in the state and should therefore vacate forests in the state within 30 days or be forced out.

The Emir who spoke in the Hausa language urged the leadership of Fulani Herdsmen to fish out the bad eggs among them.

“Our Fulani herdsmen in the forests, you came into this state and we accepted you, why then will you be coming to towns and villages to kidnap residents, even up to the extent of raping our women?

“Because of this unending menace, every Fulani herdsman in this state have been given thirty days ultimatum to vacate the forests.

“We are tired of having sleepless nights and the hunger alone in the land is enormous and we will not allow it to continue,” the Emir said.

Taraba State located in the Northeast region of Nigeria is faced with heinous crimes ranging from kidnapping to bandit attacks.