THE Tor Tiv V, His Royal Majesty James Ayatse, has strongly refuted claims that the ongoing violence in Benue State is the result of farmer-herder clashes, describing the narrative as misleading and dangerous.
Speaking during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders in Benue today, the monarch said the repeated killings in the state are part of a deliberate and long-standing campaign of genocide and land seizure by what he termed “herder terrorists and bandits.”
“We do have grave concerns about the misinformation and misrepresentation of the security crisis in Benue State,” Ayatse told the president.
“It’s not herders-farmers clashes, it’s not communal clashes, and it’s not reprisal attacks or skirmishes.”
According to the Tor Tiv, such mischaracterizations have led to unhelpful advice urging the people of Benue to “remain tolerant” or “negotiate for peace,” despite what he described as a calculated and escalating war against the state’s communities.
“What we are dealing with in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits, which has been ongoing for decades and worsening yearly,” he said.
“Wrong diagnosis will always lead to wrong treatment. We must recognize this as war, not mere communal conflict.”
Ayatse’s comments come amid growing concern over persistent violence in the region and form part of broader consultations by President Tinubu, who is visiting Benue to assess the situation and engage with local leaders.
The meeting also follows calls from Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for the creation of state police and an intervention fund to tackle the security challenges.
President Tinubu, in his address, pledged to intensify efforts to restore peace to Benue and instructed service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police to bring perpetrators of the killings to justice.
He also announced the formation of a leadership committee tasked with finding long-term solutions to the crisis.
The situation in Benue remains tense, as communities continue to grapple with displacement, insecurity, and trauma stemming from years of relentless attacks.