The Paramount Ruler of the Tiv Nation, His Royal Majesty James Ayatse, Tor Tiv V, has firmly rejected the widespread characterization of the violence in Benue State as mere farmer-herder clashes, describing such portrayals as blatant misinformation that distorts the true nature of the crisis.
Speaking on Wednesday during a high-level meeting between President Bola Tinubu and key stakeholders from Benue State, the Tor Tiv expressed grave concern over how the persistent misrepresentation has shaped national dialogue and misguided policy responses.
“We have serious concerns about the misinformation surrounding the security situation in Benue State,” Ayatse said. “Your Excellency, this is not about herders and farmers clashing. It is not communal conflict, and it is certainly not a case of isolated reprisal attacks.”
The monarch emphasized that the violence affecting communities across Benue is part of a larger, more sinister campaign. “What we are facing here is far more sinister,” he declared. “This is a calculated, well-coordinated, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign executed by terrorist herders and armed bandits. It has been ongoing for decades, worsening with each passing year.”
Ayatse also criticized national appeals for tolerance and peaceful cohabitation, stating that such advice stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation on the ground.
“These false narratives have led to calls for negotiation and learning to live with our neighbours,” he said. “But we are not dealing with a misunderstanding between neighbours — we are confronting a war.”
He warned that misdiagnosing the conflict has led to poor policy choices and ineffective responses. “Wrong diagnosis leads to wrong treatment,” Ayatse said. “As long as the crisis is misunderstood, the measures taken will fail to address the root causes or provide lasting solutions.”
The Tor Tiv’s remarks have intensified calls for a reassessment of how the Benue crisis is framed at the national level, as affected communities continue to suffer from persistent attacks and displacement.
