By John Moses
A prominent traditional ruler in Nigeria’s Benue State has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring an end to the violent attacks plaguing the region, describing the killings as a targeted genocide.
Professor James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv and Chair of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, made the remarks during a town hall meeting held in Makurdi on Wednesday. The visit by President Tinubu followed a massacre in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area, which left over 200 people dead.
Ayatse stated that the Tiv people had made immense sacrifices for Nigeria’s unity, including lives lost during the country’s civil war, yet continue to suffer from what he called a systematic campaign of violence.
“There is an ongoing genocide in our land. These are not random clashes, but deliberate, coordinated assaults aimed at eliminating our people,” Ayatse said.
He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and urged him to exercise the political will to end the violence. “You have demonstrated boldness in tackling difficult national challenges such as fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms. We believe you can also restore peace to our communities.”
The traditional leader also highlighted the plight of Tiv farmers, who have been forced off their land, making it impossible to cultivate crops. He further noted that Tiv people in neighbouring Nasarawa State face similar displacement, with some now falsely labelled as settlers in regions they’ve inhabited since before the 18th century.
Ayatse thanked the President for visiting Benue during a time of mourning and reaffirmed the people’s continued political support, noting they had stood with Tinubu during the 2023 elections.
