Malik Yahya/
Tor Tiv of the Tiv Kingdom, Prof. James Ayatse, has described the recent violence in Benue State as a “calculated genocidal invasion” orchestrated by herder terrorists and bandits, rejecting the narrative of episodic farmer–herder clashes.
Speaking during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State today, the traditional ruler emphasised that the attacks in Yelwata and other parts of Guma Local Government Area were not random acts of violence but part of a premeditated campaign to displace and exterminate the Tiv people.
“It is not clashes, it is not communal; it is a full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign,” the Tor Tiv declared.
He cautioned against mischaracterising the violence, noting that “wrong diagnosis leads to wrong treatment” and that addressing the issue as mere communal unrest would hinder meaningful intervention.
The attacks, which have left over 200 people dead and displaced thousands, have plunged the region into turmoil, with survivors recounting harrowing tales of destruction and displacement.
Ayatse lamented that the state’s predominantly agrarian communities have been forced off their ancestral lands, making it nearly impossible for farmers to plant and harvest crops.
The Tor Tiv reminded President Tinubu of Benue’s historical role in preserving Nigeria’s unity, including sacrifices made during the civil war.
He argued that the current crisis threatens the survival of the Tiv people and called for urgent federal action. “You are a courageous leader… I believe you can give us peace. All we ask is peace,” he said.
Ayatse’s plea came during a town hall meeting attended by state officials, security chiefs, and traditional leaders. The gathering was part of President Tinubu’s visit to assess the situation and provide reassurance to the people of Benue following the massacre.
The Tor Tiv emphasised that the recent attacks are part of a decades-long pattern of violence, which he described as a well-coordinated campaign aimed at displacing indigenous communities.
“This is not a case of herders and farmers clashing; it is a deliberate effort to grab our lands and exterminate our people,” he said.
Addressing the president directly, Ayatse urged him to use his political will to restore peace to Benue.
He reminded Tinubu that the state had strongly supported his presidential bid in 2023 and expressed hope that the federal government would now prioritise their plight. “We believe in your ability to bring lasting solutions. Our people want to return to their farms and rebuild their lives,” he added.
During his visit, President Tinubu met with victims and stakeholders to discuss strategies for addressing the crisis. The visit coincided with a state holiday declared to mourn the massacre victims.
The traditional ruler called for a comprehensive response that includes justice for the victims, resettlement of displaced persons, and protection of farmlands to prevent further displacement.
He stressed that peace in Benue would not only benefit the state but also contribute to national stability.
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