Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv, has said that President Bola Tinubu possesses the capacity to restore lasting peace across Nigeria, especially in Benue State.
Ayatse made the statement on Wednesday in Makurdi during a town hall meeting with President Tinubu, following the killing of more than 200 persons in an attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area.
The traditional ruler, who also serves as Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, said the Tiv people had made numerous sacrifices to keep Nigeria united, yet were now being targeted for extermination.
“Many of our people died during the civil war; we paid the supreme price to keep this country united.
“There is genocide going on in our land. It is not clashes, but a well-orchestrated, well-coordinated attack aimed at wiping out our people.
“We know you are a courageous leader. You are a focused leader. You are a determined leader. You have the courage and the political will to end this menace.
“You have taken hard decisions and actions that many people before you did not dare.
“You have handled the subsidy removal challenge of this country. The exchange rate investment decisions, you have taken them.
“I believe you can give us peace. All we ask of you is peace,” he said.
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The paramount ruler stressed that his people, who are predominantly farmers, needed peace to return to their farmlands and sustain their livelihoods.
He, however, expressed concern that these farmers had been driven from their lands by violent attackers.
The Tor Tiv further informed the President that Tiv people in Nasarawa State were also suffering the same fate, having been displaced from their ancestral homes in several local government areas.
According to Ayatse, “Tiv people’s lands have been taken from them, and they have been labelled as settlers.
“They have been in Nasarawa State before the 18th century. They cannot be settlers. They need to go back to their ancestral homes to continue with their lives.”
Ayatse commended President Tinubu for personally visiting Benue to commiserate with the people during their time of grief and assured him of their continued support.
“The people of Benue who supported you in 2023 will continue to stand with you,” he added.
