The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Professor James Ayatse, has issued a decisive two-day ultimatum to traditional rulers in Benue State, a move aimed at ending the protracted conflict ravaging parts of the state. The Tor Tiv, as he is traditionally known, gave the stern directive from his palace in Gboko following a high-stakes meeting with council chairmen and chiefs from the affected Konshisha and Gwer East local government areas.
This royal order is a direct response to the escalating violence between the Ugambe and Mbaiase communities, which has been exacerbated by the presence of armed militias and hired killers. The conflict, which has led to significant loss of life and property, was identified by community leaders at the meeting as being fundamentally a land dispute. This revelation underscored the need for immediate and firm action from the traditional institution.
Professor Ayatse’s ultimatum serves as a clear signal that the Tiv nation’s leadership will not tolerate the sheltering of mercenaries or any acts that prolong the crisis. He warned village heads in no uncertain terms that harbouring those responsible for the killings would be met with severe consequences, stressing that such practices undermine security and worsen the humanitarian situation.
Holding Leaders Accountable and Seeking Government Support
To ensure the directive is enforced, the monarch specifically tasked the two Mue Ter of Shangev Tiev and Masev with the immediate expulsion of all armed groups from their respective domains. This clear delegation of authority is a strategic move to hold local leaders directly accountable for the security in their areas.
The Tor Tiv further appealed to the Benue State government to expedite action on demarcating the boundary between Ugambe and Mbaiase.
This government intervention is seen as a critical, long-term solution to address the root cause of the conflict and prevent future outbreaks of violence. The local government chairmen and chiefs present at the meeting received the Tor Tiv’s intervention with full support. They commended his decisive leadership and pledged to work tirelessly to enforce the directive, signalling a united effort to restore peace.
This collaboration between traditional and political leadership offers a renewed sense of hope for the communities striving to return to the values of peaceful coexistence upheld by their forefathers.
