“Massacre of Tiv Farmers: A Call for Accountability and Closure”

The Association of United Farmers of Benue Valley (AUFBV) is urgently demanding the release of 394 bodies of Tiv farmers, who were allegedly killed by a militia group in Keana Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State. This tragic incident, which has left families in despair, unfolded between June 2024 and January 2025.

Speaking during a visit to the home of Ter Tyoshin, His Royal Highness Daniel Abomtse, in Naka, Gwer West LGA of Benue State, AUFBV President Denen Utsa revealed the grim details. According to Utsa, the farmers, many of whom were Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), were attacked in their homes by members of the Alago militia, armed with a range of deadly weapons.

The first reports of the attacks surfaced on June 26, 2024, when security agencies alerted the AUFBV about a communal clash in the region. Utsa confirmed that several farmers were killed, others were injured, and many remain missing or unaccounted for.

The AUFBV delegation, deeply distressed by the ongoing violence, appealed to Ter Tyoshin to use his influence to support their call. Utsa emphasized the emotional toll on the families of the deceased, many of whom are still waiting for closure. “We are demanding the immediate release of the 394 corpses of Tiv farmers who were murdered in cold blood in Keana LGA. These were innocent lives lost to senseless violence,” Utsa said.

Responding to the appeal, Chief Abomtse expressed his profound sorrow over the tragic situation, condemning the recurring violence that continues to plague Tiv farmers in Nasarawa State. He echoed the AUFBV’s plea, calling for the release of the bodies and for justice to be served for those who lost their lives in the senseless attacks. The community remains hopeful that their calls for accountability and closure will not go unheard.