Dr Angya in a quartet, for the third year in a row, decries the ceaseless attacks against Benue communities by Fulani Herdsmen. He recalled that about the 5th of March last year, similar attacks in similar circumstances compelled him to write the third epistle of his now sadly famous denouncement of the Benue killing fields titled:
WEEPING FOR BENUE Part III, where he wrote the following:
“Like early in the year 2018, the murderous Fulani terrorist, masquerading as herdsmen have struck in Benue once again and like January and April 2018, we are reduced to a miserable helpless lot in the face of a well-coordinated, orchestrated, funded and approved attack by these terrorists. We are once again consigned to weeping and wailing for our people. A once proud and warrior people have been reduced to a cowering lot, permanently living on the edge and in fear. What can we do in the face of intimidating military might of the Fulani, backed by powerful political and military blocks in Nigeria? And once again like January and April of 2018, I am compelled to write a trilogy of my eulogy to our murdered tribesmen – WEEPING FOR BENUE PT III.”
This time, the renewed attack on Waya village is what aches my heart. Waya, is a sleepy fishing Village on the fringes of River Moon, in Moon District of Kwande Local Government Area, which shares boundaries with the Republic of Cameroon. Moon River is one of the most mysterious Rivers in Tiv Land, but this time, its legend of mysteries is not the subject of my interest.
Today, I recall that a few weeks ago, the Nigerian Army, (in the name of retaliation against alleged killing of soldiers by hoodlums), stormed some villages in Konshisha Local Govt, burning down houses, foodstuffs, properties, and killing innocent men, women and children. These killings have continued for the last three years, unabated in several parts of the state with emphasis on local governments bordering Nassarawa and Taraba States. It’s painful to wake up to the sad news of deaths on daily basis and more worrisome is the fact that the perpetrators of these dastardly acts are known and that nothing of sorts is being done by the Federal Government.
For the first time in my life, I find myself crying. I cry because our situation is so sad, pathetic and seemingly hopeless; I cry because of the frustration and feeling of helplessness. I have never felt so helpless in my life. The devil has laid siege on Benue from all sides. Where can we run to, where do we turn to? In God’s name, I wish we could stop the dehumanization of the Tiv nation and ensure an atonement of some sorts. God how I wish with all my heart there was something we could do to stop this endless assaults, carnage and shame.
The government of Benue State has been strident and consistent in drawing the attention of the central government to this horrible situation, yet no effort is been made to help the people of the state. His Excellency, the governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom, under who’s watch the anti-open grazing prohibition law was enacted but without the coercive apparatchik of state, has remained helpless in the face of a sophisticated, well trained, organised and funded organisation (Fulani Militia) that continues to invade, kill, plunder and occupy our lands without even a verbal condemnation from the federal government, not to talk about giving him a hand in the implementation of the law.
Most disheartening is the attack of yesterday the 27th April, 2021 at Abagena settlement where an IDP Camp is situated. Armed Fulani militia invaded the camp, killing scores and leaving several children, women and men with severe injuries. This is unconscionable, illogical and unacceptable. Our people deserve to not only live, but also have the liberty to go about their daily lives in pursuit of their destinies without fear of being killed without provocation by marauding bands of protected herdsmen. Our people need to go back to their land and be settled without further delays. I do not think this is too much to ask of the Federal government, especially that it is its number one constitutional duty.
On this day, for the most recent attack, like other days and other attacks, I stand with the government and good people of Benue State to demand and insist that the Federal government protect, resettle and compensate the harassed and traumatised people of: Guma, Agatu, Ado, Konshisha, Logo, Ukum, Kwande, and Makurdi local governments and the immediate arrest and prosecution of these well-known Fulani Herdsmen killers.
- Barr Paul Tavershima Angya, PhD, fsi Ksm, former Ag DG Standards Organization of Nigeria.
