The Tor Tiv of Benue State, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, has issued a powerful warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the ongoing violence in Benue as a “well-planned genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign”, not the often-labelled herder-farmer conflict.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting with the President on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs condemned what he called years of misrepresentation and misinformation about the true nature of the crisis in Benue State.
💥 Over 200 Killed in Fresh Attacks
This call for urgent federal intervention comes on the heels of renewed attacks in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were killed between June 14 and 16, sparking national outrage and widespread demands for justice.
🔴 “This Is Not a Farmer-Herder Clash” — Tor Tiv Speaks Boldly
In his passionate address, Tor Tiv made it clear:
- “It is not herder-farmer clashes. It is not communal clashes. It is not reprisal attacks or skirmishes.”
- “What we are facing in Benue is a calculated, full-scale genocidal invasion by herder terrorists and bandits. This is a campaign of land grabbing and ethnic cleansing, not conflict over grazing.”
He criticized the federal government’s past approach, stating that calling for peace negotiations or tolerance misses the mark entirely.
“Wrong diagnosis leads to wrong treatment. This is not about coexistence—it is about survival.”
🛡 Tinubu Responds: Justice Will Be Served
In response, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concern over the tragic loss of lives and promised swift federal action. He assured the traditional rulers and stakeholders of his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and security in Benue State and across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
“Those responsible for these attacks will be hunted down. Security agencies have been directed to act decisively and swiftly,” Tinubu said.
🧭 Background: A Crisis Beyond Headlines
Benue State has long been a flashpoint of deadly attacks, often misreported as communal clashes. However, locals and leaders insist the violence is far more strategic, involving armed militia groups, foreign terrorists, and land-grabbing agendas targeting indigenous communities.
HEED: Follow us on Instagram or any other social media platform and get the most reliable news directly in your favourite app!
Tor Tiv’s statement highlights the growing sentiment among Nigerians that Benue and other Middle Belt states are under siege, and urgent government action is overdue.
📢 What This Means for Nigeria
This powerful address marks a turning point in how the Benue crisis may now be addressed at the federal level. If the President follows through, this could lead to a more realistic and focused national security strategy for the Middle Belt region.
Stay tuned to Naija Blog Daily for updates, exclusive reports, and ongoing developments as the situation unfolds.
NaijaBlogDaily# is visible on all social media platforms, and we bring you the latest Nigerian news on politics and economy, entertainment, and celebrity updates, including sports across Nigeria and beyond…
Keep visiting and following up with us on any social media platform you are using to keep you updated 💯
Remember (information brings knowledge and power).
STAY TUNED!!!
