The Mdzough u Tiv (MUT), the umbrella body for the Tiv-speaking people in Nigeria, has called on both the Federal and Benue State governments to offer amnesty and a presidential pardon to repentant militia leaders and their followers in Benue state.
This call comes after several notorious militia leaders from the Sankera region of Benue recently renounced banditry, pledging their commitment to peace.
Their decision was influenced by the peace efforts of Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, who helped broker their commitment to lay down arms.
In a statement issued over the weekend, MUT, led by President General Chief Iorbee Ihagh and Secretary General Luther Iorbee, praised the efforts of both the repentant bandits and the Catholic Bishop for taking steps toward bringing peace to the region.
“We commend the courage of the repentant bandits for choosing peace over violence,” the statement reads.
“It takes great strength to turn away from a life of conflict and embrace dialogue, peace, and reintegration into society.”
However, the group also expressed concern over the persistent attacks on the Sankera communities by armed herdsmen.
They called for the Federal and Benue state governments to take decisive action to stop these attacks and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“We appreciate the efforts of Bishop Dugu and the state government,” MUT said.
“Yet, the deadly attacks by armed herdsmen continue to threaten the lives and property of innocent citizens in Sankera and other parts of Benue.”
Despite the success of the peace initiative led by Bishop Dugu, the region remains embroiled in violence, with bandit groups and armed herders clashing frequently with local communities.
MUT highlighted that this ongoing insecurity is preventing the region from returning to peace and stability.
“The Sankera region, once the economic heart of Benue, has seen its economic base collapse due to the joint operations of the herders and local bandits,” the group stated.
They stressed that without effective action, the area may not be able to recover from years of unrest.
“It is disheartening to witness that while we have succeeded in convincing some of the local bandits to lay down their weapons, the relentless attacks by herders continue to worsen,” the group added.
The statement called on the authorities to take stronger measures to ensure the safety of the people, especially in areas where violence remains unchecked.
The group proposed an amnesty program for the repentant bandits, which would be supported by a presidential pardon to help them reintegrate into society.
“The time has come for the Federal Government to offer a presidential pardon to these repentant bandits,” said MUT.
“This gesture would not only encourage peace but also help reintegrate them into their communities.”
MUT further called on the Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC), under the leadership of HRM Prof. James Ayatse, to collaborate with relevant security agencies and the Benue State Government to make peace in Sankera a reality.
They urged the authorities to prioritize the implementation of peace programs to prevent further bloodshed and to restore the region to its former prosperity.
While the Mdzough u Tiv group lauded the ongoing peace efforts, they insisted that more concrete security measures are needed to address the ongoing violence, particularly in the areas most affected by herdsmen attacks, such as Gwer West, Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Agatu Local Government Areas.
The statement noted that attacks by armed herders on Benue’s farmers have led to the destruction of lives and property, with many families being displaced from their ancestral homes.
“We cannot stand by and watch as our people are slaughtered daily by armed herders,” the group said.
“Our lands, homes, and farms are being destroyed, and the government must act now to put an end to this madness.”
MUT urged the Benue State Government to take swift action by implementing an amnesty program that would provide a clear path for the peaceful reintegration of former bandits into society.
This program, they said, should involve collaboration between the state government and the Federal Government to ensure that all repentant militia members are granted a presidential pardon.
“If we can give these former bandits a second chance, we can rebuild our communities and ensure lasting peace,” the group said.
Finally, the Mdzough u Tiv urged the Nigerian security agencies to intensify their efforts in safeguarding the lives and property of Benue’s people.
“The safety of our citizens is non-negotiable,” the group concluded.
“Benue must be protected from those who seek to destroy it, and we need the support of both the state and federal governments to achieve this.”
