Callistus Agwaza, Jalingo
The Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI), has called on the federal government to tackle the incessant attacks on Tiv communities in Benue Taraba and Nasarawa states by bandits.
National president of AYACASODI, Chief Timothy Baaki, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Jalingo.
Baaki said the continued attacks on Tiv communities have led to the death of hundreds of people, displacement of thousands others and the destruction of property.
The group condemned the continuous invasions and killings of harmless Tiv people allegedly by fulani killer herdsmen.
Baaki said, “It is no longer news that the safety and security of the Tiv people in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states are under grave threat.
“For too long, we have endured the terror inflicted upon us by marauding herdsmen who have brought untold suffering and death to our doorsteps. “Our once peaceful communities have become a battleground, where innocent lives are lost at alarming rate. “Families have been torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and the very fabric of our society is unraveling before our eyes.
“The atrocities committed by these herdsmen cannot be ignored or brushed aside as isolated incidents.
“The most recent ones that have been recorded are those in Ukum Local Government Area.”
The group said further that, “Almost every council ward has recorded herders’ attacks, including the most recent Gbagir attack, which took place on Tuesday, 5th March 2024, where these terrorists invaded Gbagir community, Tyuluv council ward and killed over forty people including women, children and even seven members of one family. “Also on the 7th March 2024, these Fulani killer herdsmen attacked Wa-ndoo, Mbaikyor community, Mbalôm Council Ward, in Gwer East LGA of Benue State. Over 20 people were killed including women and children, and properties destroyed.
“Pathetically, Guma LGA has automatically become a home to the Fulani killer herdsmen, even the Governor of Benue State had to ban social gathering in Guma due to the insecurity in the LGA.
“Logo Local Government Area is not exempted from these incessant attacks.
“The attacks on Anyiin, Mchia, Iorza, Ayilamo and many other communities are still fresh in our minds.
“Such is the same with other non Tiv Local Government Areas in Benue State, like Agatu, Apa, Otukpo LGAs, etc. “In both Taraba and Nasarawa States, our people have not had access to their homes and farms for many years now. According to him, “Many villages are abandoned for the fear of herders’ attacks. This is no doubt, increasing the level of insecurity and famine in our communities.
“We hereby condemn in strong terms, these incessant attacks on citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and wholeheartedly sympathize with the affected families and Tiv Nation at large.
“We also wish to state categorically that, there is no justification for the killings of innocent unarmed people by these herders, therefore anybody or group of people defending or giving excuses on their behalf should desist from such”.
The statement called on the people to remain calm and law abiding, hoping that the relevant authorities will intervene urgently.
