02/06/2025
I think that there are four major reasons the enemies of Benue State, through the activities of Fulani herdsmen, are carrying out the persistent attacks we see today.
First, there is a plan to dominate the political structure of Benue State. This plan involves gradually displacing the indigenous people so that new settlers can take over local communities. With time, they will become the majority in some wards and local councils and this will automatically give them political power. They will begin to win elections, take over leadership positions such as council chairmenships and councilorships and eventually control the system. Once that is done, it will become easy to install their own traditional rulers to rival the Tor Tiv, Ochi'Idoma, and other respected leaders of the land. This is why it is important for us to stay watchful and protect our heritage.
Secondly, Benue’s rich land and natural resources appear to be a major target. The state is known for its fertile soil and agricultural potential. The current displacement of farmers is a move to take over this valuable land. In places around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), herders have already settled on large farmlands. They graze their cattle, protect their own crops, and most times, damage the farms of others. Interestingly, they also farm grains, okra, tomatoes, mushrooms, and more but while they do so, they often graze on the crops of indigenous farmers. When it’s time for harvest, they take their produce to the market and fix the prices themselves. Their women go to the markets to sell while the men stay back to protect the farms. If this practice spreads to Benue, many local farmers could lose both their land and their means of survival.
The third issue is economic sabotage. Most people in Benue rely on farming for their livelihood. But once they are displaced, they lose access to their farms, crops, and income. One painful example is when some traders who usually come from the northern part, asked farmers to cut off the branches of their fruit trees just to make it easier to buy the fruits. Some farmers, out of desperation for money and the poverty that was in the land, agreed, not knowing that this would stop the trees from producing fruits for several years. Remember the year we didn't have plenty of mangoes? At markets like Wadata in Makurdi, the situation is also disturbing. Tiv and Idoma women who bring in fresh farm produce by boat are sometimes not allowed to sell directly. Instead, others who are visibly fulani women, seize control of the goods and decide how and when they are sold, returning little profit to the original owners. This kind of economic control if continued, will weaken the strength and independence of our people.
Lastly, there is no doubt that there's a strong religious motivation behind these events. Many believe that the resistance of Benue people to Islam has not gone unnoticed. The attacks are part of a bigger plan to change the religious identity of the state. If our communities lose control of leadership and culture, our traditional rulers may one day be forced to take orders from outsiders. The dignity of our thrones and traditions will be lost, and our rich Christian and cultural heritage pushed aside. This is something we must never allow to happen.
we must understand this and remain united and aware. This is not a time to respond with hatred, but with wisdom, courage, and love for our land, our people, and our future.
We need to defend something and that is our identity.
