The Tor Tiv, James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has accused herders of orchestrating a well-planned genocide aimed at grabbing land in Benue State. Addressing President Bola Tinubu during a stakeholders meeting in Makurdi, Ayatse disputed the common narrative that the crisis in Benue is a result of farmer-herder conflicts or communal clashes.

According to Ayatse, the situation in Benue is a calculated and systematic attempt by herders to seize land through violent means, which has been ongoing for decades. He expressed concern that misinformation has led to misguided suggestions, such as promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence, without acknowledging the true nature of the crisis.

The meeting comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s visit to Makurdi, amid heightened tensions following a recent attack in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, which resulted in the deaths of over 200 people. The monarch’s allegations have brought attention to the complex and deeply rooted issues driving the conflict in Benue State.

Ayatse’s statement highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the crisis, one that goes beyond simplistic categorizations of farmer-herder conflicts. Instead, it points to a more sinister motive behind the violence, one that threatens the very existence of the local population.

The situation in Benue State remains dire, with many lives lost and communities displaced. The monarch’s words serve as a call to action, urging stakeholders to address the root causes of the crisis and work towards a more sustainable solution.