Makurdi: His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv, announced a notable improvement in the security situation in Benue State following President Bola Tinubu's visit on June 18. This statement was made during a condolence visit by First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, to the state due to the ongoing violence.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tor Tiv acknowledged that although killings have not entirely ceased, there has been a significant reduction in violence since the president's visit. He mentioned that President Tinubu's directive led to the Chief of Defence Staff ordering the deployment of additional security personnel to the affected communities.
The visit comes in the wake of a tragic massacre where over 200 people were killed on the night of June 13 and the morning of June 14, 2025. The Tor Tiv expressed gratitude for the First Lady's strategic support and compassionate response. He also recognized her initiatives in various sectors, including health, social investment, and agriculture, which have positively impacted the state.
The Tor Tiv appreciated Mrs. Tinubu's interventions in Benue schools and her economic empowerment programs. He expressed hope that her visit would inspire further action to address the persistent attacks by militias, which have resulted in loss of lives and displacement of communities.
He highlighted the dire situation faced by farmers who have been driven away from their lands, leading to widespread hunger and scarcity of food in a state once known as the 'Food Basket of the Nation'. The traditional ruler emphasized the need for adequate compensation and meaningful support for the grieving people of Benue.
Describing the killings as a national tragedy, the Tor Tiv called for a more urgent response from federal security agencies. He noted that even the governor of Nasarawa State had acknowledged the threat posed by terrorists and expressed his willingness to address it.
In conclusion, the Tor Tiv expressed hope for an end to the relentless attacks and a safe return for displaced individuals to their farms, accompanied by meaningful relief and restoration for the affected communities.