The Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has urged the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to take firm action against criminal elements disguising themselves as herders.
Speaking during a meeting with representatives of MACBAN, the paramount ruler acknowledged the statement made by the group’s spokesperson but stressed that the ongoing crisis is not solely about herders but about criminal herders who have infiltrated their ranks.
“The difficulty with this issue is that we are dealing with both herders and criminal herders,” the Tor Tiv stated.
“It’s like a situation where mechanics are going about their business and madmen have joined them, yet all are dressed the same. If you come here and tell us that a few criminal elements are spoiling the reputation of everyone, the first thing you must do is drive out the madmen among you.”
He maintained that the traditional herders known in Benue communities were peaceful and responsible.
“The original herders we knew would use sticks to guide their animals, ensuring they did not destroy farmlands. That was the herder we grew up with,” he said.
Referencing a past meeting of northern traditional rulers, the Tor Tiv recalled a statement suggesting that cultural change cannot happen overnight. In response, he questioned what culture was being protected.
“Is it the culture of k!lling and destruction? Because the nomadic lifestyle of old never caused problems it never involved k!lling, land-grabbing, or r*pe.”
He condemned the violent actions of armed herders who have been linked to k!llings, r*pe, destruction of farmlands, and displacement of local communities.
“Any culture that k!lls, maims, and destroys does not deserve to continue. It must end immediately,” he said.
The traditional ruler assured that genuine herders who come in peace and abide by the law will always be welcomed.
“If you come with herds, we will show you where the grass is green. But if you come to k!ll and destroy, that is an alien culture we cannot tolerate in Benue State.
“Deal with your internal issues. Don’t say you don’t know them. They dress like you, talk like you, and carry AK-47s like you. If they walk like you and k!ll like you, how can you claim they are not part of you?”