Victor EzejaHis Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv V, has decried the politicisation of the crisis in Benue State by politicians.
The traditional ruler who spoke during the visit by President Bola Tinubu to the state on Wednesday, lamented that instead of joining hands to address the crises, politicians in the state are busy trading blames about who is responsible for the escalation of the instability.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe said some political figures wish that the crisis worsens so that a state of emergency would be declared in the state.
“Politicians in the state are busy politicizing the crisis, passing blame, instead of joining hands to address the crisis. We hear there are some politicians who will even prefer that the crisis should worsen so that it will be a basis for the declaration of a state of emergency in Benue State,” he stated.
“It is unfortunate, and any politician who prays for more people to die for such a project is against the wishes of the people of Benue State,” he added.
The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation described what is happening in Benue State as “a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion” by herders, terrorists, and bandits.
He expressed concerns about what he called “misinformation and misrepresentation of the security crisis” in the state.
According to him, it is not herder-farmer clashes, communal clashes, reprisal attacks, or skirmishes.
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“What we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herders, terrorists, and bandits, which has been on for decades and is worsening every year,” he stated.
He said the people of Benue State are dealing with something far more sinister than is estimated. “It is not learning to deal with your neighbours, it is dealing with war.”
He said Benue State has made a lot of sacrifices to keep the country united and appealed for the president’s intervention to tackle the crisis and restore peace to the state.
He commended President Tinubu for his bold reform initiatives, noting that he is capable of tackling insecurity in the state and other parts of the country.
He called on the president to give peace to the Tiv people in Nasarawa State, who, according to him, have been dispossessed of their land.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
