James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv
James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv of Benue, has described the killings in the state as a “calculated genocidal invasion” carried out by herder terrorists and bandits.
The north-central state has experienced renewed attacks by gunmen, with over 100 people killed in attacks by suspected herders in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA of the state on June 14.
The death toll from the killings reportedly climbed to 200 on Sunday, triggering nationwide outrage.
President Bola Tinubu visited the state on Wednesday, where he met with hospitalised victims and stakeholders.
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Speaking at the stakeholders meeting, Ayatse refuted claims that the renewed attacks resulted from farmer-herders conflict.
“We do have grave concerns about the misinformation and misrepresentation of the security crisis in Benue state,” the monarch said.
“Your excellency, it is not herder-farmers clashes, it is not communal clashes, it is not reprisal attacks or skirmishes.
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“It is this misinformation that has led to suggestions such as ‘remain tolerant, negotiate for peace, learn to live with your neighbours’.
“What we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits, which has been going on for decades and is worsening every year.
“Wrong diagnosis will always lead to wrong treatment. So, we are dealing with something far more sinister than we think about.
“It is not learning to live with your neighbours; it is dealing with the war.”
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Tinubu has directed security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of the killings and bring them to justice.
