Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said there is really no such thing as a clash between farmers and herders. He explained that a clash means both sides are fighting or moving towards each other, but in this case, it is only animals moving into farmlands. So, it is not a clash but an invasion of one person’s space.

While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, General Musa said there are three main reasons for the killings in Benue and other parts of Nigeria. According to him, these are land disputes, movement of animals, and animal rustling. He said the military can’t solve these issues alone because they are more political than military.

He also pointed out that animal rustling—where people steal moving livestock—is a serious issue. This theft often happens when animals are allowed to move from place to place. Musa believes if animals are not moved around, many of the violent problems would reduce or stop completely.

He explained that land disputes between people who originally lived in a place and those who later moved in are now serious and need political solutions. According to him, these land problems are part of what causes the violence, and politicians need to come up with lasting answers.

Musa said people should stop calling the situation a clash. A farm is not moving, but animals come into it and cause damage. That, he said, is the real problem. So, if the government finds a way to keep animals in one place, the problem will go away or at least reduce.

He also said the army can only try to stop attacks, but they cannot fix the main reasons why these attacks happen. It is up to political leaders to come up with solutions that will bring lasting peace.

Over 200 people were recently killed and burnt alive during an attack by suspected herdsmen in the Yelwata community of Guma Local Government Area in Benue State. The brutal incident has drawn strong condemnation both in Nigeria and around the world.