The Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has raised alarm over alleged political manipulation of the security crisis in Benue State, claiming some politicians are working toward a state of emergency declaration.
The paramount ruler made these allegations during a stakeholders meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Makurdi on Wednesday, as the President visited the state following the massacre of over 200 villagers by herders in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
"The second apprehension we have is the politicization of the crisis. Politicians in the state are busy politicizing the crisis, passing blames instead of joining hands to address the crisis," the Tor Tiv stated.
"We hear that there are some politicians who will even prefer that the crisis should worsen so that it will be a basis for the declaration of the state of emergency in Benue State," he added.
Escalating Violence in Benue
President Tinubu's visit comes amid escalating violence in the state, with reports indicating that over 300 residents have been killed in various local government areas in recent times due to herder-farmer conflicts.
The Tor Tiv expressed dismay at the situation, questioning why Benue continues to suffer despite its historical sacrifices for national unity.
"Benue State has made a lot of sacrifices to keep this country united. Many of our people died during the civil war; we paid the supreme price for this country to keep it united. Why should we be treated like this?" he lamented.
The traditional ruler appealed to President Tinubu to end what he described as "genocide" in Benue State and address insecurity across Nigeria, expressing confidence in the President's capability to resolve the crisis.
Presidential Response
During his visit, President Tinubu reportedly assured the people of Benue that he values Nigerian lives more than cattle, signaling his administration's commitment to addressing the root causes of the persistent conflicts in the region.
The President also reportedly advised Governor Hyacinth Alia to be prepared for criticism, describing it as "the hallmark of leadership," while acknowledging that political enemies might be working against the governor's success.
The security situation in Benue remains precarious as stakeholders continue to seek lasting solutions to the persistent herder-farmer conflicts that have plagued the state for years.
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