Benue Killings: Tiv Professors Urge Govs Alia, Sule to Unite Against Terrorists

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Forum of Ayatutu Professors (FAP), a global body of Tiv academics, has called on the Governors of Benue and Nasarawa States, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and Engr. Abdullahi Sule, to demonstrate genuine friendship and work closely to protect lives and property in their states.

In a statement signed by Prof. Tor Iorapuu (Chairman, Board of Trustees) and Prof. Simon Irtwange (Secretary, Council of Management), and released in Makurdi on Saturday, FAP stressed that state leaders and citizens must take responsibility for safeguarding their communities to prevent further terrorist attacks.

The group expressed support for Governor Alia’s recent call for the establishment of state police, noting that previous governors and civil society leaders have pushed for the same initiative since the outbreak of violence in Plateau State. According to FAP, Nigeria’s large population and vast ungoverned spaces make it impossible for the existing number of police and military personnel to effectively manage security.

They warned that the country’s sovereignty is under threat, citing the persistent activities of Boko Haram and repeated bandit attacks in Katsina, Zamfara, and Niger States. The group urged both the Federal and State Governments to strengthen border surveillance and stop the ongoing killings.

Calling for deeper cooperation between Benue and Nasarawa, FAP said real friendship—built on honesty, listening, encouragement, and mutual respect—would be a valuable resource for peace and development in both states.

They condemned the June 13 Yelwata massacre, pointing out that the attack happened despite the presence of army and police units in the area. They also highlighted the case of the Jebbu community in Riyom, Plateau State, which was attacked barely a kilometre from a major military checkpoint without intervention.

While insisting that security personnel deployment alone cannot solve the problem, FAP said effective coordination and improved surveillance were essential. They called for compensation for victims of attacks nationwide—particularly in Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna—and urged the inclusion of these areas in Nigeria’s Humanitarian Response Plan.

The group also appealed to the North Central Development Commission to support livelihood restoration and protect farmers from further assaults.

Reacting to Governor Sule’s decision to sue Prof. Zacharys Gundu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mkar, over comments alleging that Nasarawa harbours terrorists attacking Benue, FAP urged the governor to reconsider. They defended Prof. Gundu, saying he spoke the truth in defence of the people.

“No state can claim innocence while its borders serve as gateways for terror,” the statement read. “Sovereignty should be a shield for peace, not a cover for lawlessness. This legal action risks creating unnecessary tensions between the two states.”

Our correspondent reports that Prof. Gundu, through his legal team led by Sebastian Hon (SAN), has expressed readiness to meet Governor Sule in court.