The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, His Royal Majesty, Begha U Tiv (V), Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, CFR, has delivered a strong-worded message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, following the recent spate of deadly attacks in the state.
Addressing the President in an emotionally charged speech, the Tor Tiv described the unrelenting wave of violence as “a well-calculated, well-planned full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign” carried out by herder terrorists and armed bandits targeting innocent farming communities in Benue.
The monarch did not hold back in condemning certain political actors within the state, accusing them of playing politics with the lives of the people.
“Mr. President, some politicians in Benue are playing politics with the terrorist attacks instead of joining hands together to fight this evil.
Some are even happy and are praying for more people to be killed, hoping that you will declare a state of emergency in Benue.
Such politicians do not represent the interest and wishes of the Benue people,” the Tor Tiv stated.
His Royal Majesty appealed to President Tinubu to treat the crisis in Benue with the urgency and seriousness it deserves, insisting that the state has become a killing field where farmers are driven from their ancestral lands.
The President’s visit to Benue follows weeks of national outcry over sustained attacks in rural communities, particularly in Guma, Logo, and parts of Kwande and Ukum LGAs. His tour included a stop at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where he visited victims recuperating from the attacks.
President Tinubu, in response, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing all parts of Nigeria and ensuring justice is served.
He commended the resilience of the Benue people and promised increased military deployment and support for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Meanwhile, local and international observers are closely watching how the federal government responds to the Tor Tiv’s passionate plea — one that echoes the desperation and grief of a people long caught in the crossfire of violence and political neglect.
