By Amos Aar
TIV Youth in Diaspora (TYD) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to immediately intervene in what it described as an ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing, land grabbing, and the violent displacement of Tiv communities across Benue State and its environs by armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.
In an open letter jointly signed by key members of the organization from across the globe, the group expressed deep concern over the continuous bloodshed and occupation of Tiv ancestral lands.
Signatories to the letter include Aondona Terwase, President General of TYD in London; Tuleun Terhemen, Secretary General in Moscow; Engr. Calvin Barakur, TYD Coordinator in Russia; Rev. Alex Kuha, Coordinator in Rome; and Asongo Terkuma, Coordinator in the United States.
The youth group lamented that for over 16 years, Tiv communities have endured relentless attacks that have destroyed villages, displaced thousands, and shattered livelihoods. They described the violence as a calculated and systematic attempt to wipe out the Tiv people and erase their identity and heritage.
Referencing history, the letter recalled the attempted conquest of the Benue Valley by Usman Danfodio during the 1804 jihad, which was reportedly repelled by Tiv ancestors. The group argued that similar attempts have continued in modern times through territorial encroachment and displacement in states such as Taraba and Nasarawa, where Tiv lands were allegedly seized, renamed, and stripped of cultural and political authority.
They warned that a similar agenda is now being replicated in Benue State under the guise of farmer-herder conflicts, while in reality, coordinated attacks are driving Tiv people from their lands.
As a matter of urgency, the Tiv Youth in Diaspora urged all elected officials in Benue State to set aside political differences and unite in confronting the crisis. They called for a collaborative approach involving local communities, security agencies, and civil society groups to safeguard lives and restore lasting peace.
The group further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act without delay by deploying neutral and professional security forces to affected areas, initiating a federal peacekeeping mission, and launching a transparent investigation into the ongoing violence.
“We cannot afford to remain silent while our people are slaughtered and our lands taken,” the statement read. “We call on all citizens, leaders, and the international community to join us in demanding justice, security, and a peaceful future for the Tiv Nation.”
They resounded the call for justice and peace: “Enough is enough. We demand justice for the Tiv Nation and lasting peace for the Benue Valley.”
