By John Moses
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the continued attacks on farming communities in Benue State, lamenting the absence of any arrests following the killings. He has issued a direct order to security agencies to track down the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.
“The value of a single human life far exceeds that of a hundred cattle,” the President declared during a town hall meeting with Benue stakeholders, urging swift action against the “criminal terrorists” behind the violence. He emphasised the importance of justice in deterring further atrocities.
President Tinubu called for the establishment of a peace resolution committee comprising traditional rulers, former governors, and elder statesmen from both the Tiv and Idoma ethnic groups to collaborate with him on charting a sustainable path to peace in the region.
In a move to address the root causes of the conflict, Tinubu asked Governor Hyacinth Alia to provide land for the creation of ranches. He said this would provide a structured approach to animal husbandry and reduce friction between herders and farmers. “Let us ranch the cattle and, in the end, share the proceeds,” he stated.
Addressing the governor directly, Tinubu noted, “As a Reverend Father, you are a father to all. Your leadership must prioritise peace, unity, and development. If you succeed in delivering stability, a second term will be yours to earn.”
The President also called for voluntary blood donations to support victims recovering in hospital and extended condolences to the families affected by the violence.
Traditional leaders echoed the President’s call for action. The Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, speaking on behalf of Benue’s royal institutions, condemned the portrayal of the violence as retaliatory or linked to farmer-herder clashes. “This is ethnic cleansing, pure and simple,” he asserted. “Our people, including children and pregnant women, are being murdered in their sleep. These are calculated attacks, not random reprisals.”
Ayatse criticised political figures allegedly exploiting the crisis to push for a state of emergency, warning such moves would destabilise the region further.
In response, Governor Alia thanked President Tinubu for his visit and support, describing it as “a powerful symbol of compassion and leadership”. He reiterated his backing for the creation of a state police force, calling it a viable long-term solution to persistent insecurity.
“The attacks on our people have continued for more than a decade. This appears to be a systematic attempt to displace us and take over our ancestral land,” the governor said, appealing for improved security and national attention.
