The Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA) has refuted claims by the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, that peace has been restored in Gwer-West and other affected local government areas.
In a press release issued on Sunday, FoTA insisted that the region remained under siege by armed Fulani herders, with recent attacks leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.
The statement, signed by FoTA National President Prof. Patrick Ukase and National Publicity Secretary Prof. John Ajai, described the governor’s remarks as misleading and detached from the realities on the ground.
FoTA cited multiple incidents of violence in the region, including killings and brutal assaults on residents. According to the group, between February 2 and 3, 2025, at least three people were killed in separate attacks in Gyaluwa land, while two individuals in Tse-Gyuche suffered gruesome amputations as they attempted to prevent herders from destroying their cassava farms.
These incidents followed previous attacks in October 2024, which resulted in over 20 deaths across Makurdi and Gwer-West LGAs. FoTA had earlier issued a statement titled “A Cry for Help: The Darkest Days for Tyoshin Land”, highlighting the persistent security threats faced by the community.
FoTA expressed disappointment that Governor Alia, speaking in a religious gathering, claimed that killings had ceased in Gwer-West, Logo, Aliade, and Guma LGAs. The group suggested that either the governor had not been properly briefed by his appointees or was deliberately downplaying the crisis.
“The Tyoshin people remain displaced from their ancestral homes and continue to live in fear of fresh attacks. Claims of restored peace contradict the daily realities of our people,” the statement read.
FoTA therefore called on Governor Alia and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent steps to protect the Tyoshin people and ensure the safe return of displaced persons. The group acknowledged earlier efforts by Gwer-West LGA Chairman Hon. Victor Ormin to facilitate the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) but stressed that without sustained security measures, such efforts remain inadequate.
“The Tyoshin people are Nigerians, and we demand the full protection of both the state and federal governments,” the statement concluded.
FoTA’s rebuttal raised fresh concerns over the security situation in Benue State, particularly in Gwer-West, where persistent clashes between herders and local communities have led to longstanding tensions. It remained to be seen how the state government will respond to these claims.
