By Sunday Ogli, Makurdi
GROUP under the aegis of Forum of Tyoshin Academics, FoTA, have cried out over the killing of its indigenes and displacement of over 600 persons by armed Fulani herdsmen from 54 different attacks in ten council wards of Makurdi and Gwer West Local Government Areas of Benue State.
FoTA in a statement signed by Professor Joseph Kerker and Dr Terkula Maga, its Chairman/Convener and Secretary respectively, said the armed herders have turned Tyoshin land into a slaughter slab where hardly a day passes without scores are killed with reckless abandon.
The group also pointed out that during the planned attack which is carried out with the intention of annexing the communities, the herdsmen destroyed property worth millions of naira, including worship centers, houses, schools, hospitals, bridges among other social amenities.
“It is apparent, based on the unfolding events that there is a preconceived agenda by the armed Fulani herdsmen/militia and their sponsors to occupy Tyoshin land using brutal force,” the group said.
The Forum however noted that the military were able to repel three other attacks targeted at Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, thereby adverting many deaths, as well as the destruction of property.
According to the group, “It is worthy of note that until recently, Tyoshin nation was known for its peaceful and calm atmosphere, both for her indigenes and settlers alike.
“It is apparent, based on the unfolding events that there is a preconceived agenda by the armed Fulani herdsmen/militia and their sponsors to occupy Tyoshin land using brutal force.
“Disguised as pastoralists, the armed Fulani herdsmen/militia have an agenda, to kill, rape, maim, occupy, and annex the whole Tyoshin community.
“As of 12th February, 2023, over 600 persons from eight council wards (Mbapa, Sengev, Saghev/Ukusu, Mbachohon, Tyoughatee, Mbabuande Gaambe Ushin and Gbaange/Tongov) in Gwer West and two council wards (Modern Market and Bar) in Makurdi LGAs have been displaced from their homes and are now living in refugee camps in Naka, Makurdi and other parts of the state. This has created a serious humanitarian crisis requiring urgent attention.
“We want the world to know that the scale, magnitude, and the frequency of these attacks have assumed a new dimension that if nothing is done about it, and urgently, it may escalate into total annihilation and annexation of Tyoshin land by these armed Fulani herdsmen/militia.
“We are also saddened by the recent attacks which led to loss of lives of several persons of Tyoshin extraction and the Divisional Police Officer of Gwer West LGA. No amount of provocation can justify such brutality and senseless killings.
“We view these recent attacks that destroyed several communities with high number of human casualty figures as an attempt by the armed Fulani to sustain their occupation agenda and usurp our people’s right to their ancestral lands.”
FoTA further stated that, “Between 2011 and 2023, Fulani militia have launched more than 54 separate attacks on Tyoshin people.
“Of this number, women and children constitute a significant proportion of those who have been killed. In spite of these coordinated attacks on our people, we vow never to surrender any portion of our ancestral land to anyone, not even the armed Fulani herdsmen/militia.
“Our women and daughters are being raped under most dehumanising circumstances and their privacy compromised by armed Fulani herdsmen/militia. Their dignity and pride of womanhood have been violated. The agony emanating from these abuses will remain with our women for a long time.
“It is worthy to note that during these attacks, properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed. Other valuables destroyed include houses, farmlands, hospitals, schools, markets, bridges, orchards, and even worship centres (churches).
“Where they choose not to raze down or destroy, such houses are thoroughly ransacked, and all valuables carted away. In some cases, the armed herdsmen/militia move into those houses abandoned by residents fleeing for their safety.”
