The paramount ruler of Tiv kingdom, Tor Tiv V, James Ayatse, has told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the killings in Benue State are not crisis between herders and farmers, but a planned attack aimed at taking over their land.
Speaking at a meeting with President Tinubu and other stakeholders in Benue on Wednesday, the traditional ruler said many people had misinterpreted the crisis and incorrectly advised Benue citizens to live peacefully with their neighbours.
The paramount ruler said, “We do have grave concerns about the misinformation and misrepresentation of the security crisis in Benue State.
“Your Excellency, it’s not herders-farmers clashes, it’s not communal clashes and it’s not reprisal attacks or skirmishes.”
He described the violence as a “calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign” by herder terrorists and bandits that has lasted for decades.
“Wrong diagnosis will always lead to wrong treatment… We are dealing with something far more sinister than we think. It’s not about learning to live with your neighbours; it is dealing with a war,” he added.
