Benue Gave You Votes, Give Us Peace – Tor Tiv Tells Tinubu Amid Tears Over Massacres

A royal plea echoed through the rain-soaked streets of Makurdi on Wednesday, June 18, as the Tor Tiv of the Tiv Nation, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, begged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring lasting peace to Benue State. His call came during Tinubu’s condolence visit following the massacre of over 200 people in Yelwata, Guma LGA—a tragedy that has plunged the state into grief and renewed fears.

Standing before the President at the Government House, the revered monarch reminded Tinubu that Benue voters stood by him during the 2023 general election—not for religion or tribe—but for leadership and courage. He implored the President to reciprocate that loyalty with decisive action to end the herdsmen-led bloodshed that has driven thousands of farmers off their land and collapsed rural livelihoods.

“We voted for you on merit. Give us peace so our people can return to their farms,” the Tor Tiv declared. “I heard a story that when Kwara State cried out, you gave them peace. We are crying now.”

The President’s visit, meant to offer comfort and assurance, coincided with a firestorm of outrage over schoolchildren allegedly forced to stand in the rain to welcome him—turning a solemn moment into what many viewed as political theatre. Viral videos of drenched pupils lining the roads have sparked calls for accountability from the Benue government and Tinubu’s handlers.

Despite the controversy, the monarch acknowledged Tinubu’s difficult policy decisions—removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira, and bold fiscal reforms—describing them as steps previous leaders had feared to take. He said those same traits should now be channeled toward resolving the violent crisis plaguing Benue’s farmlands.

The killings in Yelwata on Friday, June 14, which claimed the lives of at least 200 villagers, were part of a growing wave of attacks that have devastated communities in Guma, Logo, and Ukum LGAs in recent years. Local authorities have accused armed herdsmen of orchestrating the raids, while displaced persons continue to swell IDP camps.

Traditional leaders and civil society groups have urged Tinubu to follow up his visit with concrete actions, including the deployment of special security forces, justice for victims, and long-term agricultural resettlement programs. For many Benue residents, the President’s response to this tragedy will define his relationship with the Middle Belt region.