The Paramount Ruler of the Tiv Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse (Tor Tiv), has issued a scathing rebuke of the narrative surrounding the Benue State crisis, describing it as deliberately misleading and dangerous.
During the visit, in an address to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday, the Tor Tiv sharply rejected descriptions of the violence as “herder-farmer clashes” or “reprisal attacks.”
“It is not herder-farmer clashes … it is this misinformation that has led to suggestions such as, ‘remain tolerant’, ‘negotiate for peace’, ‘learn to live with your neighbours’,” he stated.
According to HRM Ayatse, what Benue is enduring “is a calculated, well‑planned, full‑scale genocidal invasion and land‑grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits … worsening every year.” He emphasized, “Wrong diagnosis will always lead to wrong treatment … it’s dealing with the war.”
The prince’s remarks come amid escalating violence that has claimed hundreds of lives in Benue State so far in 2025:
An attack by gunmen suspected to be herders killed between 100 and 150 people in the Yelewata community, with homes and market stalls set ablaze. President Tinubu condemned the violence as “senseless bloodletting” and pledged decisive action, including a visit to the region.
At least 20 fatalities were reported in simultaneous attacks on villages, though some local sources suggested the numbers might be over 30.
Coordinated attacks on multiple communities reportedly killed over 72 people and displaced thousands into IDP camps.
President Tinubu has responded with increased federal intervention:
In April, he commanded an immediate overhaul of national security efforts, calling on involvement from governors and local councils.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited Benue in April, reporting more than 70 deaths during “Black Friday” attacks. He assured the federal government’s full support.
Tinubu has directed security agencies to hunt down perpetrators in both Benue and Plateau State, and urged grassroots community cooperation.
The National Emergency Management Agency is working with aid groups to support more than 3,000 displaced residents.
Despite these measures, Amnesty International reports that 6,896 people have been killed in Benue State since June 2023, making Benue the worst-hit region in Nigeria’s ongoing crisis.
President Tinubu on Wednesday visited survivors of the deadly attack, who are currently receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
The President arrived at the Nigeria Air Force Base Airport in Makurdi at 12:58 pm for his condolence visit to the state. He was received by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Also present to welcome the President were Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, other federal lawmakers from Benue State, governors from North Central states, ministers and other government officials. The visit comes as the state continues to mourn the devastating attack that has left hundreds displaced and grieving.
During his visit to the teaching hospital, President Tinubu met with survivors of the attack who are undergoing treatment for various injuries sustained during the violence.
