The Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA) in Benue State has stated that over 600 people in the ethnic extraction have been killed in 54 attacks in 10 council wards of Makurdi and Gwer-West Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state in separate communities.
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The group further explained that the deaths were recorded from eight council wards in Gwer-West LGA and two council wards of Makurdi LGA of the state in the last eleven years.
The Forum however noted that the military were able to repel three other attacks targeted at Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, thereby averting many deaths, as well as the destruction of property.
This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday, titled: ‘Tyoshin Nation is Bleeding’, signed on behalf of the Forum by the Chairman and Convener of the Forum, Prof. Joseph Kerker and Secretary, Dr. Terkula Maga.
The group also pointed out that during the planned attacks by the herdsmen with the intention of annexing the communities, the herdsmen destroyed property worth millions of naira, including worship centers, houses, schools, hospitals, bridges among other social amenities.
According to the group, “It is worthy of note that until recently, Tyoshin nation was known for its peaceful and calm atmosphere, both for her indigenes and settlers alike.
“Today, however, the story is different as armed Fulani herdsmen/militia have turned our land into a slaughter-slab where hardly a day passes without scores being killed with reckless abandon. It is apparent, based on the unfolding events that there is a preconceived agenda by the armed Fulani herdsmen/militia and their sponsors to occupy Tyoshin land using brutal force.
“Disguised as pastoralists, the armed Fulani herdsmen/militia have an agenda, to kill, rape, maim, occupy, and annex the whole Tyoshin community.
“As of 12th February, 2023, over 600 persons from eight council wards (Mbapa, Sengev, Saghev/Ukusu, Mbachohon, Tyoughatee, Mbabuande Gaambe Ushin and Gbaange/Tongov) in Gwer West and two council wards (Modern Market and Bar) in Makurdi LGAs have been displaced from their homes and are now living in refugee camps in Naka, Makurdi and other parts of the state. This has created a serious humanitarian crisis requiring urgent attention.
“We want the world to know that the scale, magnitude, and the frequency of these attacks have assumed a new dimension that if nothing is done about it, and urgently, it may escalate into total annihilation and annexation of Tyoshin land by these armed Fulani herdsmen/militia.
“We are also saddened by the recent attacks which led to loss of lives of several persons of Tyoshin extraction and the Divisional Police Officer of Gwer West LGA. No amount of provocation can justify such brutality and senseless killings.
“We view these recent attacks that destroyed several communities with high number of human casualty figures as an attempt by the armed Fulani to sustain their occupation agenda and usurp our people’s right to their ancestral lands.”
The Forum further recalled that, “Between 2011 and 2023, Fulani militia have launched more than 54 separate attacks on Tyoshin people.
“Of this number, women and children constitute a significant proportion of those who have been killed. In spite of these coordinated attacks on our people, we vow never to surrender any portion of our ancestral land to anyone, not even the armed Fulani herdsmen/militia.
“Our women and daughters are being raped under most dehumanising circumstances and their privacy compromised by armed Fulani herdsmen/militia. Their dignity and pride of womanhood have been violated. The agony emanating from these abuses will remain with our women for a long time.
“It is worthy to note that during these attacks, properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed. Other valuables destroyed include houses, farmlands, hospitals, schools, markets, bridges, orchards, and even worship centres (churches).
“Where they choose not to raze down or destroy, such houses are thoroughly ransacked, and all valuables carted away. In some cases, the armed herdsmen/militia move into those houses abandoned by residents fleeing for their safety.”
Furthermore, the group explained that “As indigenes of, and strong advocates of peace and development in our LGAs, we are deeply concerned by and strongly condemn the sustained unprovoked attacks on the good people of Gwer West and Makurdi LGAs by armed Fulani herdsmen/militia.
“In solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are affected by this pogrom, we extend our heart-felt condolences to all the grieving families, their friends and loved ones. Our prayers and thoughts are with them at this difficult moment.”
On the other hand, the Forum stated that
“We are genuinely worried by the non-concerned posture of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, under whose command, Tyoshin people are experiencing existential threat in the hands of his fellow Fulani kinsmen.
“It is on record that Mr. President is not just a Fulani man, but he is also the life Patron of Fulani Miyetti Allah, a body that has openly and severally claimed responsibility for the numerous attacks in our LGAs.
“It is our firm belief that President Muhammadu Buhari has both moral and constitutional obligations to defend and protect the people of Tyoshin the same way other communities in Nigeria are being protected.
“Despite these provocative attacks, we have always appealed to our people to exercise restraint and never take the law into their hands. This is because, we believe that the culprits will never go unpunished”, he stated.
