The Tor Tiv V, Prof. James Ayatse, has told President Bola Tinubu that the ongoing killings in Benue State are not mere clashes between herders and farmers, but a planned genocidal invasion by armed herder militias and bandits.
The traditional ruler made this strong claim during a meeting with President Tinubu and key stakeholders in Benue State on Wednesday.
Ayatse said many Nigerians and government officials have wrongly described the violence in the state as farmers-herders conflict or communal clashes, which he said is misleading and dangerous.
According to the Tor Tiv, “It is not herders-farmers clashes, not communal fights, and not reprisal attacks. It is a full-scale, well-planned genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign that has been going on for decades.”
He warned that describing the crisis as a mere clash only encourages unhelpful advice like asking victims to “remain tolerant” and “negotiate for peace.”
“We are dealing with a war,” the monarch said firmly. “It’s not about learning to live with your neighbour — it’s about defending our land from armed terrorists.”
The Tor Tiv stressed that wrong diagnosis of the situation will lead to wrong solutions, calling for urgent and accurate action from the federal government.
Benue State has witnessed years of deadly attacks, with hundreds killed and thousands displaced, especially in rural communities. The attackers, often identified by locals as armed herders, have been accused of destroying farms, sacking villages, and occupying farmlands.
President Tinubu’s meeting in the state is part of a broader consultation with communities affected by insecurity and displacement across Nigeria.
