Suspected Fulani Herder Issues Threat of Mass Violence Against Tiv Communities in Benue State

A disturbing video circulating on social media has shown a man, believed to be a Fulani herder, issuing violent threats against Tiv communities in Benue State. In the footage, the unidentified individual warns that Fulani herders will launch deadly retaliatory attacks if any Fulani person or cow is harmed.

“Hello Tiv, if you do not stop, we will chop your fathers,” the man said in a threatening tone. “You say you will drive us out of Benue State. That is a lie.”

He explicitly named Kadarko, Balaki Daudu, and Utese as likely flashpoints for future attacks, warning that these communities would face widespread violence if the alleged provocation continued.

The man also threatened to target vehicles bearing “Benue” inscriptions, claiming that only Tiv people would be singled out. “We see your cars marked ‘Benue, Benue’… we will check and kill only Tiv people,” he stated.

He accused former Governor Samuel Ortom of fueling the tensions between herders and local communities, referencing Ortom’s role in enacting the Anti-Open Grazing Law—a landmark legislation that restricted herders from moving cattle freely within the state.

“Ortom, you caused all this chaos,” he declared. “Even though we hear the current government is trying, Ortom is responsible for everything happening now.”

He further warned that the next attack would be more devastating than previous incidents, referencing President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the state:
“The last time we struck, Tinubu came and was smiling. The next time you kill our people or cows, we will kill until Tinubu cries with both eyes.”

Renewed Violence in Benue

The threat comes on the heels of fresh violence in Wannune community, Tarka Local Government Area, where suspected herdsmen launched an assault just 48 hours after President Tinubu’s visit to address the deteriorating security situation in the state.

Residents reported that the attackers burned homes and property, forcing entire communities to flee. A youth corps member serving in the area described the incident as chaotic, saying, “Everyone is running into the bushes for safety. Please let Nigerians pray for us.”

The attack follows a massacre in Yelewata community, Guma LGA, where about 200 people were killed—an event that triggered national outrage and widespread condemnation.

Tinubu’s Visit and Criticisms

During his visit, President Tinubu met with stakeholders and instructed the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, critics have questioned the effectiveness of the visit and the sincerity of the government’s response.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Tinubu’s visit as “a political spectacle,” suggesting that it lacked genuine commitment to solving the state’s security crisis.

“At moments like these, true leadership is needed,” said Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe. “But what we saw was political theatrics, not a heartfelt response to a humanitarian tragedy.”

Calls for Government Action

The latest threats and attacks have reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity in Benue State and the broader Middle Belt region. Civil society groups, community leaders, and national figures have called on the federal government to take decisive and sustained action to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable communities.

There are growing demands for the government to address the root causes of the herder-farmer conflicts—including land use, displacement, and access to resources—while ensuring justice for victims of past attacks.