The Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has urged the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to take decisive action against the criminal elements operating under the guise of herders in Benue State.
In a recent meeting with MACBAN representatives, the paramount ruler Tor Tiv acknowledged the group’s spokesperson’s statements but emphasized that the current crisis isn’t just about herders; it’s about the infiltration of their ranks by criminal herders.
“The difficulty with this issue is that we are dealing with both herders and criminal herders,” the Tor Tiv remarked.
“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 added.
He reassured that the herders traditionally known in Benue communities have been peaceful and responsible.
“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,” he stated.
Citing a previous meeting of northern traditional rulers, the Tor Tiv recalled discussions implying that cultural change cannot happen overnight. However, he posed a critical question to Macban and others: “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.”
He condemned the violent actions of armed herders linked to a series of killings, rapes, farmland destruction, and the displacement of local communities.
“Any culture that kills, maims, and destroys does not deserve to continue. It must end immediately,” he insisted.
The traditional ruler assured that genuine herders who approach in peace and follow the law will always find a welcome in Benue.
“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,” he declared.
“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?”