The Paramount Ruler of the Tiv nation, Prof. James Ayatse, has announced an investigation into allegations involving certain traditional rulers in the Sankera region of Benue State who are accused of supporting banditry and disturbing peace.
The Tor Tiv emphasized the importance of swift and decisive action to restore public confidence in traditional leadership and vowed to hold accountable any ruler found complicit in such activities. He expressed a commitment to collaborating with the Benue State Government and law enforcement to identify those instigating criminal behavior in the Sankera area, which includes the local government areas of Ukum, Logo, and Kastina-Ala.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media and ICT, Freddie Adamgbe, Ayatse underscored the critical role traditional rulers play in protecting the cultural integrity and safety of their communities. He warned against attempts to intimidate individuals willing to share information about criminal activities and urged government and security forces to ensure the safety of all informants.
The Tor Tiv commended local leaders and clergy, particularly the Bishop of Katsina Ala Diocese, Most Reverend Bundepuun Dugu, for their dedicated efforts and meetings aimed at restoring peace in the region. He encouraged these leaders to persist in their initiatives to achieve lasting peace.
Ayatse also lamented that despite the community’s struggles, some youths in Sankera have allied themselves with external forces, exacerbating the violence and harming local economies and agricultural productivity. He called for a sustainable solution to these challenges and urged the people of Sankera to maintain faith in God as the ultimate source of change, believing that He can inspire those causing turmoil to cease their actions.
