From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Executive Committee and members of Mzough U Tiv UK (MUTUK) has expressed deep sorrow, outrage, and unreserved condemnation of the continued mass killings of Tiv people across Benue State demanding an immediate end to the killings.
The peaceful community of Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area was once again subjected to a barbaric and coordinated massacre.
President of MUTUK, Victor Aleva, in a statement described the death of an estimated 200 innocent Tiv people, including men, women, and children, who were brutally murdered and burnt as savage attack.
Aleva said the killings carried out by jihadist Fulani herdsmen are part of a sustained and systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing aimed at displacing the Tiv people from their ancestral lands.
“Such terror attacks have become tragically routine across Tivland from Guma to Logo, Katsina Ala to Kwande, and Gwer West to Ukum, leaving entire communities in mourning and thousands displaced.
He noted that the Tiv people are exceptionally accommodating, hospitable, peace loving, and open hearted saying “We have never laid claim to an inch of land in any Fulani dominated state, nor have we ever invaded or threatened their communities.
While noting that the Federal Government has failed in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property saying his continued silence or political hedging in the face of such carnage is not only unacceptable, it is tantamount to complicity.
MUTUK urged the Federal Government to immediately deploy of armed forces to secure all Tiv communities and repel further attacks.
He also called for “A full and transparent investigation into the Yelwata massacre and other atrocities, with public identification and prosecution of both perpetrators and their sponsors.
“A clear and public condemnation from the President and national security leadership, provision of urgent humanitarian support to the survivors, including food, shelter, medical care, and long-term resettlement.
“A national policy response that addresses the violent expansionist agenda driving these attacks, while protecting indigenous land rights and community safety.”
Aleva also urged Benue State Government to take urgent and proactive steps to support and protect its people by strengthening coordination with federal security forces and provide enhanced support to local community-based security groups, deliver emergency relief, medical assistance, and temporary shelter to survivors and displaced families mong others.