By Amos Aar
THE TOR Tiv, and Chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, has urged the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to rid itself of criminal elements among its ranks before seeking peaceful coexistence in the state.
The monarch made the declaration during a recent stakeholders’ dialogue on the farmer-herder crisis, responding to remarks by MACBAN representative Ibrahim Lawal, who lamented the hardships faced by pastoralists.
Lawal, speaking on behalf of MACBAN, highlighted the suffering of herders over the past decade, stating that many have been unfairly stigmatized due to the actions of a few criminals.
“In the last ten years, some of our members who live nomadic lifestyles have suffered greatly without relief. The alarming trend is that all herders are branded as criminals, when in reality, only a small fraction engage in illegal activities,” Lawal said.
He also disclosed that MACBAN had previously submitted proposals for peaceful livestock production but received no government response. He however expressed optimism about new federal initiatives aimed at modernizing livestock management.
“We are encouraged by the new livestock development plan, which we hope will provide a sustainable framework for peaceful herding. We are committed to working with the government to achieve this,” Lawal added.
He further claimed that herders had lost over 50,000 lives and five million cattle in the past decade, with minimal government intervention. Lawal also criticized the media for perpetuating negative stereotypes against pastoralists.
Tor Tiv’s Firm Response
In a stern rebuttal, the Tor Tiv challenged MACBAN to take decisive action against violent criminals within its ranks before expecting acceptance from host communities.
“If there are criminals among you, you must identify and expel them. The traditional herders we once knew carried sticks, not AK-47s. They respected farmlands and compensated for any damages. What we see today is an invasion — armed men killing, raping, and displacing our people,” Prof. Ayatse stated.
He dismissed claims that violent herding is part of Fulani culture, emphasizing that the original nomadic lifestyle was peaceful.
“What culture involves killing people, destroying farms, and seizing land? Any culture that promotes violence must be abolished immediately. We will not tolerate it in Benue,” he declared.
The royal father also highlighted the severe displacement in Kwande and Gwer West LGAs, where armed herders have allegedly taken over entire communities.
Condition for Reconciliation
Prof. Ayatse set a clear condition for reconciliation: “MACBAN must first cleanse itself of criminal elements. If violent herders dress like you, speak like you, and kill like you, how can you deny association? Deal with them, then return to us. Only then will we accept you.”
The Tor Tiv’s remarks underscore the growing tension between farming communities and herders in Benue, with traditional leaders demanding accountability before any lasting peace can be achieved.
