Chairman of Gwer West Traditional Council and Ter Tyoshin, His Royal Highness Daniel Abomtse, has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the persistent attacks by armed herdsmen that have plagued communities in Benue State for over 15 years.
Speaking in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area, during a visit by a delegation from the Benue State Government on Tuesday, Chief Abomtse lamented that the violence has continued unabated, leaving communities devastated and thousands displaced.
The delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, was in the area to deliver relief materials to victims of the most recent wave of attacks.
According to BSEMA’s Information Officer, Tema Ager, the team also paid a condolence visit to the monarch following the destruction of his palace by irate youths protesting the unending bloodshed.
Chief Abomtse commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his prompt and compassionate response to the crisis, noting that the governor’s intervention showed a deep commitment to ending the protracted violence.
He, however, stressed that the scale and longevity of the attacks demand robust federal support.
“The terrorists masquerading as herdsmen have made life unbearable for my people for more than a decade. We are grateful for the state government’s efforts, but this is a national crisis and requires a national response,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation for the humanitarian assistance brought by BSEMA and urged that more long-term support be provided to help the displaced return to their communities.
While delivering the governor’s message, Iorpuu condemned the destruction of the traditional palace, describing it as “unprecedented and strange in Tivland.”
He assured the monarch that the state government would continue to support peace and recovery efforts.
Relief materials, including food and non-food items, were distributed to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Agagbe, UBE Naka, and Calvin Foundation College of Education Clinic.
Iorpuu reiterated Governor Alia’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of IDPs and the restoration of normal life in the affected areas.
He added that future relief efforts in Gwer West would be carried out in close collaboration with local leaders and government representatives.
