Groups Demand Justice for Mass Killings Of Farmers, Demand End To Security Votes

AUFBV president, Dennis Utaa (1st left), TYO president, Patrick Terfa, and others during the press conference at NUJ state secretariat Monday

The association of United Farmers Benue-Valley (AUFBV) and the Tiv Youth Organization Worldwide (TYO) have jointly decried the ongoing violence and mass killings of Tiv indigenes in Nasarawa, Taraba, Benue, and neighboring states. At a press conference held at the Benue State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the groups demanded justice for victims, the release of missing corpses, and an end to security votes, which they allege perpetuate insecurity.

Calling for Justice and Accountability,

AUFBV President Chief Dennis Denen Gbongbon Utsa, alongside Secretary Forlumun Igbahee Mbagbe, delivered a statement addressed to security agencies, human rights organizations, and other stakeholders. They detailed allegations of mass killings, forced displacements, and destruction of property orchestrated by named individuals, including traditional leaders, government officials, and armed militias.

The groups outlined a series of demands, including:

“1. The release of 42 corpses of Tiv farmers allegedly killed in Keana Local Government Area (LGA) on June 26, 2024.

“2. The excavation and proper burial of victims dumped in wells or abducted during the violence.

“3. Compensation for farmers and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), along with their immediate resettlement.

“4. Recovery of stolen funds and property, including alleged misappropriations tied to agricultural rehabilitation efforts.

“5. Disarmament of armed militias and prosecution of those involved in orchestrating the attacks”.

The AUFBV issued an ultimatum, warning the government to meet their demands by December 31, 2024. Failure to do so, they cautioned, would escalate tensions and potentially lead to open conflict between farmers and government forces.

The TYO President, Patrick Terfa Angbagh, supported by Secretary Ikpeen George Terhemba, echoed these concerns, describing the killings as coordinated acts of aggression aimed at displacing Tiv communities. The TYO called for immediate intervention from federal and state governments to protect lives, end land-grabbing disputes, and provide humanitarian assistance to victims.

The groups urged the Federal Government, humanitarian organizations, and international bodies such as the United Nations and African Union to intervene and ensure justice. They also appealed to Tiv traditional leaders and political figures to engage in dialogue with counterparts in Nasarawa State to address the crisis.

TYO emphasized the need for unity among Tiv people and underscored their commitment to defending their communities. “We will not relent in advocating for justice and peace,” they stated. “This is a defining moment for our leaders to rise and safeguard the future of our people.”

Both AUFBV and TYO were unanimous in their pledge to hold the government accountable, warning that further inaction could lead to dire consequences for peace and security in the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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