Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has expressed that the presence and backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a period of distress has offered the people of Benue a renewed sense of hope and resilience. Governor Alia made this known in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, on Thursday in Makurdi. He lauded the President’s directive to apprehend armed herdsmen responsible for violent attacks in Benue and across Nigeria. He thanked President Tinubu for his promise to collaborate with the state’s leadership in establishing enduring peace and security within the region. “We’re sincerely grateful for your resolve in tackling security issues, especially your command to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police,” Alia noted. “Your decisive move to curb the threat of armed herders strengthens our confidence that the safety of our people and the return of displaced farmers to their land are priorities under your administration.” The governor extended heartfelt gratitude to Tinubu for personally visiting the state after the tragic incident at Yelwata town. He also acknowledged the unwavering support from fellow governors, particularly members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, for standing by the state during its darkest hour. “Your joint actions reflect a shared resolve against violence and a strong dedication to the well-being of communities nationwide,” Alia added. Governor Alia affirmed that the people of Benue find comfort in the empathy and leadership demonstrated by the President, his colleagues, and other concerned Nigerians. He reassured citizens that his administration will actively collaborate with critical stakeholders to rebuild communities and restore peace across the state.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has stated that the commonly used term “farmers-herders clash” is misleading. According to him, the real situation involves animals encroaching on farms, not an actual conflict between the two groups. While speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the Defence Chief explained that the persistent violence in Benue State and similar regions stems from three core issues, rather than the supposed clash. He identified the first cause as land ownership disputes, especially involving indigenes and non-indigenes, which he described as a political problem requiring political solutions. The second issue, according to General Musa, is the movement of livestock. He stressed that using the term “clash” implies two active parties, but in reality, the conflict starts when livestock enters farmland, leading to destruction. “A farm is static,” he said, “and when an animal enters it, it’s not a clash—it’s intrusion.” He argued that if animals stop roaming, most of the current violence would disappear. Thus, he urged the government to intervene by regulating animal movement to reduce these incidents. The third concern is animal rustling. General Musa explained that roaming livestock are more prone to being stolen, which further escalates violence in affected communities. Controlling rustling and restricting movement, he said, could significantly reduce the crisis. “Many of these issues are beyond military intervention. They require political will and comprehensive governance,” he added. The Defence Chief emphasized that the military’s role is limited to protecting people from attacks, but lasting peace can only be achieved through political engagement and land policy reforms. Meanwhile, LMSINT MEDIA reports that more than 200 individuals were burned alive during a recent herdsmen attack in Yelwata, a village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The tragedy has sparked widespread condemnation across Nigeria and international communities.
