The Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, has urged Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to use his leadership to end the persistent violence in Benue State, particularly following a deadly assault on the Yelwata community that claimed over 200 lives.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Makurdi on Wednesday, the traditional ruler, who also heads the Benue Traditional Council, described the violence not as communal clashes but as a calculated effort to exterminate his people.
“We are witnessing an orchestrated campaign of terror. This is no mere conflict—it is targeted genocide,” Ayatse said. “Our people paid the ultimate price in the civil war to keep this country united. Why are we now being singled out?”
He expressed faith in Tinubu’s ability to confront the crisis, citing the President’s decisive actions on economic policies such as fuel subsidy reform and currency management.
“You have taken difficult decisions others have avoided. That is why we believe you can also bring us peace,” Ayatse added.
The Tor Tiv lamented that thousands of farmers had been driven off their land by armed attackers, undermining both food security and livelihoods. He also drew attention to the plight of Tiv people in Nasarawa State, who have similarly been displaced from their ancestral lands and wrongfully branded as settlers.
“These are communities that have existed in Nasarawa since before the 1700s. They deserve the right to return to their homes,” he said.
The traditional ruler commended Tinubu for personally visiting Benue at a time of sorrow and affirmed the state’s unwavering political support.
“Benue stood with you in 2023, and we will continue to stand by you. All we ask in return is peace,” he concluded.
