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The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, expressed that President Bola Tinubu has the ability to bring lasting peace to Nigeria, particularly in Benue State.
Ayatse made this remark on Wednesday during a town hall meeting with Tinubu in Makurdi, following the recent massacre of over 200 individuals in Yelwata community, located in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The traditional leader and Chairman of the Benue Traditional Council emphasized that his people have made significant sacrifices for the unity of Nigeria and questioned why they are now being targeted for extermination.
He remarked, “Many of our people lost their lives during the civil war; we paid the ultimate price for the unity of this country.
What we are experiencing is genocide in our land. It is not mere clashes; it is a meticulously planned attack aimed at eradicating our people.
We recognize you as a courageous, focused, and determined leader. You possess the resolve and political will to put an end to this crisis.
You have made tough decisions and taken actions that many who came before you were hesitant to undertake.
You have addressed the challenges of subsidy removal and made investment decisions regarding the exchange rate. I have faith that you can bring us peace. All we seek is peace.”
The paramount ruler pointed out that the predominantly farming community requires peace to continue their agricultural activities. However, he raised concerns that the farmers have been driven away from their farms by violent intruders.
The Tor Tiv informed Mr. Tinubu that Tiv individuals residing in Nasarawa State are experiencing similar difficulties, having also been forced out of their ancestral lands in various Local Government Areas.
According to Ayatse, the lands of the Tiv people have been seized from them and misclassified as belonging to settlers.
He stressed, “They have been in Nasarawa State since before the 18th century. They cannot be considered settlers. They should be allowed to return to their historical homes and resume their lives.”
Ayatse commended Tinubu for personally reaching out to the Benue community during their time of sorrow.
He assured the president that the people of Benue who supported him in the 2023 elections would continue to stand by him.
