The traditional ruler of the Tiv people, Tor Tiv V, James Ayatse, has said that the security situation in Benue State is being used for political gain. He made this known during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and other important figures in Makurdi, the state capital. President Tinubu had come to the state after more than 200 villagers were killed in the Yelwata area of Guma Local Government.

Tor Tiv claimed that some politicians in Benue are secretly happy about the killings because they want the violence to continue. According to him, their goal is to create so much chaos that the federal government would declare a state of emergency in the state. He warned that this kind of thinking is dangerous and goes against the sacrifices made by people of the state, especially those who died in the past to keep Nigeria united.

He also rejected the idea that the violence in Benue is caused by clashes between herders and farmers or local community disagreements. He said that what is happening is far worse. He described it as a deliberate and organized attack meant to wipe out communities and take over their land. He blamed this on herder terrorists and criminal gangs, saying that the problem has been going on for years and is getting worse.

Tor Tiv pointed out that wrong descriptions of the crisis have made people believe that it can be fixed by peaceful dialogue or simply learning to live with neighbors. But he disagreed, saying that Benue is at war, not just facing simple disagreements. He added that people must see the situation clearly to solve it correctly.

He also complained about how political leaders in the state are focusing on blaming each other rather than coming together to solve the crisis. He said this behavior is making the situation worse. Some of these politicians, according to him, even hope that things get worse so they can benefit from it politically.

Tor Tiv questioned why the people of Benue are being treated unfairly despite the fact that many of them gave their lives during the civil war to keep Nigeria together. He told the president that the killings in Yelwata are just one of many attacks the state has suffered. The people are tired of the repeated violence.

He ended by asking President Tinubu to please help stop the killings and restore peace, not just in Benue but across Nigeria. He said he believes the President has the power to do so.