The attack and killings of residents of various Benue communities have been described as a calculated and full-scale genocidal terrorist-like attack by herders.
This description of the attacks in the state was given by the Tor Tiv, His Royal Highness, James Ortese Ayatse.
Ayatse said this while addressing President Bola Tinubu, the security chiefs and other key stakeholders at the town hall meeting taking place in Makurdi.
Recall that the president had visited Benue State for a first-hand assessment of the attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Yelewata town in Benue State.
Continuing, Ayatse said there has been a litany of misinformation concerning the incidents of killings and attacks on communities on the stage.
“Your Excellency, we do have grave concerns about the misinformation and misrepresentation of a security crisis in Benue State.
“Your Excellencies, it is not herder-farmers clashes, it’s not communal clashes. It’s not reprisal attacks or skirmishes. It is this misinformation that has led to suggestions such as remaining tolerant, negotiating for peace, learn to live with your neighbours.
“What we are dealing here in Benue State is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits, which has been on for decades and is worsening every year,” Ayatse said.
Speaking further, Tor Tiv said the wrong diagnosis will always lead to the wrong treatment.
He also noted that this is not a case of tolerance or living in peace and unity with one’s neighbours but a full-blown war against the people of Benue.
“It’s not learning to live with your neighbours. It is dealing with a war.
“The second apprehension, Your Excellency, we have is the politicization of the crisis. Politicians in these states are busy politicizing the crises, passing blame instead of joining hands to address a crisis.
“We hear there are some politicians who even prefer that a crisis should worsen so that it will be a basis for the declaration of a state emergency in Benue State. Your Excellencies, this is unfortunate. And any politicians are praised for more people to die for such a project is against the wishes of the people of Benue State,” he added.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
