The leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, or MACBAN, has been urged by Tor Tiv Orchivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse to take firm action against the criminal elements masquerading as herders.
The supreme monarch confirmed the comments made by the group’s spokesperson at a meeting with MACBAN leaders, but emphasised that the existing problem is not just about herders but also about criminal herders who have infiltrated their ranks.
“The difficulty with this issue is that we are dealing with both herders and criminal herders,” the Tor Tiv stated.
“It’s like a situation where mechanics are going about their business and madmen have joined them, yet all are dressed the same. If you come here and tell us that a few criminal elements are spoiling the reputation of everyone, the first thing you must do is drive out the madmen among you.”
He maintained that the traditional herders known in Benue communities were peaceful and responsible.
“The original herders we knew would use sticks to guide their animals, ensuring they did not destroy farmlands. That was the herder we grew up with,” he said.
Referencing a past meeting of northern traditional rulers, the Tor Tiv recalled a statement suggesting that cultural change cannot happen overnight. In response, he questioned what culture was being protected.
“Is it the culture of killing and destruction? Because the nomadic lifestyle of old never caused problems it never involved killing, land-grabbing, or rape.”
He denounced the brutal behaviour of armed herders, who have been connected to rapes, murders, agriculture devastation, and community uprooting.
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“Any culture that kills, maims, and destroys does not deserve to continue. It must end immediately,” he said.
The traditional leader promised that sincere herders who follow the rules and arrive peacefully will always be accepted.
“If you come with herds, we will show you where the grass is green. But if you come to kill and destroy, that is an alien culture we cannot tolerate in Benue State.
“Deal with your internal issues. Don’t say you don’t know them. They dress like you, talk like you, and carry AK-47s like you. If they walk like you and kill like you, how can you claim they are not part of you?”
