Anebi
The paramount ruler of the Tiv Nation, Tor Tiv V, His Royal Majesty James Ayatse, has claimed that the deteriorating security crisis in the state is being politicized.
Ayatse spoke on Wednesday during a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and key stakeholders in the state on Wednesday.
DAILY POST reports that President Tinubu was in Makurdi the Benue State capital following the wanton killing of over 200 villagers in Yelwata community of Guma Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing the stakeholders during the meeting, Tor Tiv alleged that some politicians in the state were delighted at the ugly incidents.
He claimed it was the desire of those politicians for the security crisis to continue deteriorating to pave the way for declaration of a state of emergency in Benue.
The paramount ruler also countered claims that the incessant attacks are fueled by communal or herders and famers clashes.
He categorically told the president that the state is dealing with a “calculated, well-planned and full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits”.
Read full speech:
We do have a grave concern with the misinformation and misrepresentation of the security crisis in Benue State.
Mr President, it is not herders, farmers clashes, it is not communal clashes, it is not reprisal attack.
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 State is a calculated, well-planned and full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits. This has been on for decades and it’s worsening every year.
Wrong diagnosis will lead to wrong treatment. We are dealing with something far more sinister than we think about. It not learning to live with your neighbours it is dealing with the war.
The second apprehension we have, Your Excellency it’s the politicization of the crisis.
Politicians in the state are busy politicizing the crisis, passing blames instead of joining hands to fight the crisis.
We heard that there are some politicians who would even prefer that the crisis will worsen so that it will be a based for the declaration of a state of emergency in Benue State.
Your Excellency, this is unfortunate, and any politician that prays for more people to die, is against the wishes of the people of Benue State.
Benue State has made a lot of sacrifices to keep this country United. Many of our people died during the civil war. We paid the supreme price to keep this country united.
Why should we be treated like this? What you have come to condole is is just one of the series of several massacres in the state.
What has Benue State done to merit what we are going through?
We appeal to you to end the genocide going on in Benue State and the insecurity in all parts of Nigeria. We know you are capable of doing this Sir.
Benue security crisis politicized – Tor Tiv opens up to President Tinubu [FULL SPEECH]
