James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv of Benue, has described the recent killings in the state as a “calculated genocidal invasion” attributed to herder terrorists and bandits.
Gatekeepers News reports that the north-central state has seen a surge in violent attacks, with over 100 individuals reported killed by suspected herders in the Yelewata and Daudu communities of Guma Local Government Area on June 14.
The death toll rose to approximately 200 by Sunday, sparking widespread outrage across the country. In response, President Bola Tinubu visited Benue on Wednesday, engaging with hospitalised victims and local stakeholders.
During a meeting with these stakeholders, Ayatse denied accusations that the renewed violence stemmed from traditional conflicts between farmers and herders.
“We do have grave concerns about the misinformation and misrepresentation of the security crisis in Benue state,” the monarch said.
“Your excellency, it is not herder-farmers clashes, it is not communal clashes, it is not reprisal attacks or skirmishes.
“It is this misinformation that has led to suggestions such as ‘remain tolerant, negotiate for peace, learn to live with your neighbours’.
“What we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits, which has been going on for decades and is worsening every year.
“Wrong diagnosis will always lead to wrong treatment. So, we are dealing with something far more sinister than we think about.
“It is not learning to live with your neighbours; it is dealing with the war.”
Meanwhile, Tinubu has directed security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of the killings and bring them to justice.
