The Tor Tiv of Benue, James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has accused certain politicians of politicizing the ongoing crisis in the state with the aim of pushing for a state of emergency declaration. Speaking at a stakeholders meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Makurdi on Wednesday, the paramount ruler expressed concern that some politicians prefer the crisis to worsen to justify such a declaration.
He stated, “The second apprehension we have is the politicization of the crisis, politicians in the state are busy politicizing the crisis, passing blames instead of joining hands to address the crisis. We hear that there are some politicians who will even prefer that the crisis should worsen so that it will be a basis for the declaration of the state of emergency in Benue State.”
The Tor Tiv lamented the situation, emphasizing that any politician wishing for more deaths is acting against the people’s interest. He reminded the president of Benue’s sacrifices for Nigeria’s unity, saying, “Benue State has made a lot of sacrifices to keep this country United, many of our people died during the civil war, we paid the supreme price for this country to keep it United.”
The meeting came amid rising violence, including the killing of over 200 villagers by herders in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, and other parts of the state. Over 300 residents have died recently due to the crisis. The Tor Tiv appealed to President Tinubu to end the genocide in Benue and insecurity nationwide, expressing confidence in his ability to do so.
This call coincides with other voices urging for emergency measures. For instance, groups like Zone “A” Peoples’ Assembly have called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to declare a state of emergency on security, accusing some attackers of being foreign mercenaries and criticizing politicians for politicizing the crisis rather than addressing it. Similarly, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Sebastine Hon, petitioned President Tinubu to declare a military state of emergency, citing government negligence and ineffective military presence.
The crisis has prompted widespread calls for urgent federal intervention to stop the killings and provide humanitarian aid to affected communities. The Benue government itself has declared a state of emergency on infrastructure following a church collapse, highlighting the broader challenges facing the state.