Tiv community in the United Kingdom, under the aegis of Mutual Union of the Tiv, MUT, has called on Nigerian authorities to eject Fulani herdsmen from their land.
The group further criticized the federal government over its inability to protect the Tiv people of Benue State from the sword and guns of the invading Fulani herdsmen.
In a statement signed by the President of the group, Martin Akiga, Vice President Kuram Gwakyaa and the Social Secretary, Salome Biam on behalf of MUTUK management committee, the group called on all Tiv sons and daughters around the world “to stand up against this evil and barbarism and say no to the Fulani herdsmen terror.”
The statement said, “Over the past few years, the Fulani herdsmen occupation in Benue state has led to widespread deaths, seizure of indigenous lands and destruction of farmlands and produce.
“In the Last 3 years, 2,000 Tiv indigenes have been brutally killed and a further 750 seriously wounded or maimed. Approximately 100,000 men, women and children are made refugees as a result of incessant attack on Tiv people of Benue State. Mzough U Tiv UK (MUTUK) urges all Tiv sons and daughters around the world to stand up against this evil and barbarism and say no to the Fulani herdsmen terror.
“The Federal government of Nigeria has failed to address this dire situation and have failed in their duty to protect the people of Benue. The people of Benue spend each day in anxiety for the fear of becoming victims of this unprovoked cruelty of the Fulani herdsmen terrorism. “Many have watched their lives turned upside down, lost homes, lands and watched the murder of their loved ones. Enough is enough; our time of showing restraint is over. It’s time to say no to living in fear.
“MUTUK supports unequivocally, the Bill banning open grazing that has been put forward to the Benue State House of Assembly.
“This needs to be passed immediately to facilitate the ejection of all Fulani Herdsmen from our state. Once the Bill is enacted, the government must ensure that it is powerfully enforced with the full strength of the law. The Fulani Herdsmen should go back to their respective states and leave us to farm peacefully on our indigenous lands. They have no right to our lands and they have no right to violate our people and property.
“The people of Benue state are not obliged to accommodate these herdsmen with our ancestral lands for the purpose of grazing. We do not owe these murderers anything. Whilst we respect the right of freedom of movement within Nigeria, occupying indigenous private lands does not form part of that right.
“Our people are farmers and do not go to other states asking for ‘farming reserves’, our neighbouring states would never agree to this. Why should we create grazing reserves for these terrorists? MUTUK says a definitive NO to grazing reserves in Benue state!
“No to open grazing, no to Benue lands for Fulani herdsmen, no to living in fear and no to Fulani occupation of Benue valley.”
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