On Friday, May 16, the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, delivered a powerful and unflinching message to the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), demanding decisive action against criminal elements masquerading as herders.
Speaking during a high-stakes meeting with representatives of MACBAN, the revered paramount ruler of the Tiv Nation emphasized that the ongoing security crisis in Benue and other parts of Nigeria is not rooted in the traditional practice of herding but in the violent activities of criminal infiltrators.
“The difficulty with this issue is that we are dealing with both herders and criminal herders,” the Tor Tiv said.
“It’s like a situation where mechanics are going about their business and madmen have joined them, yet all are dressed the same. If you come here and tell us that a few criminal elements are spoiling the reputation of everyone, the first thing you must do is drive out the madmen among you.”
He contrasted today’s reality with the past, when traditional herders in Benue were seen as peaceful and respectful of farmland boundaries:
“The original herders we knew would use sticks to guide their animals, ensuring they did not destroy farmlands. That was the herder we grew up with.”
Referencing an earlier meeting of northern traditional rulers, Ayatse questioned what kind of culture was being defended in the face of ongoing violence:
“Is it the culture of killing and destruction? Because the nomadic lifestyle of old never caused problems. It never involved killing, land-grabbing, or rape.”
The Tor Tiv issued a firm condemnation of the violent actions of armed herders, who have been linked to widespread killings, rape, destruction of farmland, and displacement of entire communities:
“Any culture that kills, maims, and destroys does not deserve to continue. It must end immediately.”
Still, he extended an open hand to genuine, law-abiding herders, making clear that peaceful coexistence is possible:
“If you come with herds, we will show you where the grass is green. But if you come to kill and destroy, that is an alien culture we cannot tolerate in Benue State.”
“Deal with your internal issues. Don’t say you don’t know them. They dress like you, talk like you, and carry AK-47s like you. If they walk like you and kill like you, how can you claim they are not part of you?”
