From Godwin Agia, Jalingo
A group known as Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI) an umbrella body of Tiv people, on Wednesday called on the Federal government and the international community to expediently tackle the issue of incessant attacks on Tiv communities by killer herdsmen before the carnage gets out of control.
The national President of the group Chief Timothy Baaki, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday said that the continued attacks have led to the death of thousands, displacement of even more people, and destruction of property beyond imagination.
Baaki stated "We address you today with saddened and heavy hearts, to condemn the continuous invasions and killings of harmless Tiv people by Fulani killer herdsmen. 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 an 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. 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 the Gbagir community, Tyuluv Council ward, and killed over forty people including women, children, and even seven (7) members of one family. Also on the 7th of March 2024, these Fulani killer herdsmen attacked Wa-too, Mbaikyor community, Mbalôm Council Ward, in Gwer East LGA of Benue State. Over twenty (20) people were killed including women and children, and properties destroyed.
"Pathetically, Guma LGA has automatically become home to the Fulani killer herdsmen, even the Governor of Benue State had to ban social gatherings 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. Many villages are abandoned for 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 reads in part.
While commending the States and Federal Government, the group calls for the "implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 by the Benue State Government, to curtail these violations. The time for action is now. We cannot afford to wait any longer while the blood of our brothers and sisters continues to be shed with impunity. We appeal to the government to act decisively to restore peace and security to our communities, and ensure that all citizens can live their lives without fear of violence or persecution".
Baaki further called on the International community to "come and save us from the hands of these Fulani killer herdsmen We also call on our people to remain calm and law-abiding, hoping that the relevant authorities will intervene urgently and guarantee our safety," he said.
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