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•Gov didn’t call them rustlers -Kula
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Masev nation, through the Masev Development Association, in Benue State, has expressed dismay over the recent pronouncement by Governor Hyacinth Alia, concerning reasons for the recent killing of their people by armed herdsmen.
On March 7, 2024, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen attacked Wandor, Mbaikyor, in Mbalom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area, killed 16 people, injured two people and burnt over 30 houses. The association, during a press conference in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Sunday, regretted the assertion by the governor linking the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property in Wandor, to cattle rustling by youths of the area.
The President-General, Masev Development Association World Wide, Prof. Vearumun Tarhule, represented by Barr. Polycarp Aande, said the narrative has left their community further shattered and demoralised.
Responding to their position, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, said the Masev people got it all wrong and misunderstood the governor. Kula said it was regrettable if some section of Masev people felt bad about the governor’s comments, saying the people cannot be tagged as cattle rustlers.
The association, in a brief titled “Disappointment and Anguish, Echo from the Hearts of Masev people,” said it was responding to the governor’s speech during a requiem Mass of a Rev Fr in Katsina Ala LGA, where he allegedly asserted that the killing was because “some Masev youths rustled cows belonging to the herders, killed some and were marketing them in wheelbarrows.
“It looks to us that someone sold a poorly crafted story to the governor who rushed to gleefully announce the verdict. Assuming without conceding that what the governor said was true, does rustling or killing cows justify the massive killing of 18 people as of today? Is this a good justification?
“What happened to the anti open grazing law which the governor said was in force, and the two weeks ultimatum given, which has expired?”
While noting that such a statement could further embolden the herders, the association said it is the constitutional responsibility of Governor Alia to secure the lives and property of Benue people, not for him to blame.
Aande said the National Executive Council of the Masev Development Association has convened an emergency meeting, and have resolved to vehemently reject the unsubstantiated, biased, and premature conclusions drawn by the governor. They said the governor was too quick in his judgment and, therefore, was not fair and didn’t also adhere to principles of justice as he apportioned blame without thorough investigation.
“At a time when lives are lost, and properties worth millions are razed, it is disheartening that the governor chose to cast unwarranted accusations upon the youths of Wandor, Mbaikyor, our people, who have already endured the brunt of external forces, now face unjustified condemnation.
“Let it be clear that the Masev people do not condone criminal activities within our community. However, we vehemently reject any narrative that portrays us as perpetrators of violence against our own. Such baseless accusations not only defame our integrity, but also divert attention from the real perpetrators who threaten our safety and livelihoods.
“In light of recurrent attacks by herdsmen militia, including the recent tragedy in Wandor, Mbaikyor, we urge the governor to fully enforce the Anti-Open Grazing Law without compromise. We demand swift action against both the alleged cattle rustlers and the herders responsible for wanton destruction and loss of life.
“The Masev people call for immediate rehabilitation, resettlement, and compensation for those affected by the violence. As law-abiding citizens of Benue State, we demand that our rights to security, justice, and dignity be upheld without prejudice or discrimination.”
The association further reiterated unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and prosperity for all, saying Benue State is not a lawless territory, and it is incumbent upon the security agencies to uphold the rule of law and protect the lives and properties of all its citizens, including the Masev people.
In his response, Kula said: “It is regrettable if a section of Masev feels injured by official statements regarding the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property in Wa-ndor, Mbaikyor, of Mbalom Council Ward, Gwer East Local Government.
“His Excellency recognises the perennial attacks from herders over the years, and as a government this cannot be lost on us. As the Chief Security officer, the governor works closely with communities and security organisations, and receives security intelligence and other privileged briefings regularly.
“Masev people cannot, as a people, be termed cattle rustlers. No! The governor did not call them so because we are aware of their collective efforts to ensure safety in the land. However, the unfortunate crises or attacks at stake drew from criminal elements that were involved in mischievous acts which tend to result in indiscriminate action from criminal herder gangs. This is a fact, as sad as it may sound. This, in no way, approves of the killings or seeks to undermine the same.”
Kula, who noted that “cattle rustling or any mischievous act does not and should not warrant lawlessness, especially, to the extent of taking scores of lives and disrupting public order by any individual or group(s), stated that the mere presence of open grazing cattle is an illegality in itself.
He said security operatives are keenly at work and perpetrators of these heinous crimes will surely be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law. He reiterated that it remains the constitutional responsibility of Governor Hyacinth Alia to protect all citizens and their lands, and reference to allegations of rustling does not entail any slack of responsibility or trading blames with the people.
He said: “Loss of lives cannot be justified under any account, irrespective of whatever is the immediate or remote cause. This, again, is not a justification of perennial killings caused by militant herdsmen over the years.
“Government feels concerned and wishes the National Executive Council of the Masev Development Association, and the entire Masev people not to view the governor’s remarks as damaging to their integrity. The apprehension of the people should be relaxed as no ill is intended on the part of the government.
“The governor notes that the current crisis in which the unfortunate deaths were undermined by rustling shouldn’t be seen as an indictment or a statement to undermine the Masev people. Government shares in the pains and aspirations of the Masev people and the entire state. Government will not tag Masev as perpetrators of the fundamental issue that has affected them for many years. The allusion to local complicities has no intention to undermine a whole group.
He said: “Governor Alia cherishes the love of Masev people and will not whimsically attempt to erode it,” and is resolute in ensuring and enabling a safe Masev land and Benue as soon as possible.”
