Benue Attacks: We Demand Justice for Innocent Lives Lost, an End to This Terror — Tor Tiv

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Orcivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, has called on the Federal Government to put an end to the ongoing terror in Benue State and ensure justice for innocent lives lost in the attacks.
The Tor Tiv, who expressed deep concern over the unabated killings of innocent people and the destruction of property worth billions of naira in Moon, Anyiase, Abande and Anwase communities of Kwande Local Government Area (LGA), as well as other parts of Tiv land in Benue State, condemned the attacks in strong terms, describing them as an assault on the very fabric of the Tiv people’s shared life.

Recall that suspected herdsmen carried out a violent attack on a market in Abande Community on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, killing 17 persons.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and ICT, Freddie Adamgbe, the Tor Tiv said enough is enough, adding that the bloodbath must stop.
He, however, encouraged the Tiv nation not to despair, stating: “We stand united in outrage and grief against these barbaric acts of terrorism that have shattered the peace of our communities.
“These heinous killings are not just attacks on individuals; they are an assault on our collective humanity, our safety, and the very fabric of our shared life. We will not be silenced by fear, nor will we allow these cowardly acts to define us.
“We demand justice for the innocent lives lost and an end to this terror. Our communities deserve to live free from violence, and we will continue to raise our voices until peace and security are restored for every single one of us.”
While cautioning his subjects against embarking on any form of retaliation that could worsen their calamity, the Tor Tiv urged them to continue to place their hope in the unfailing and powerful hand of Almighty God, whom he described as the only One who can finally put an end to the genocide.
He also made a passionate appeal to the State and Federal Governments to immediately deploy special security personnel, both air and ground, to confront the menace and safeguard the lives of residents in the affected communities, who deserve to live free from violence.