FoTA Disputes Governor Alia’s Claim of Restored Peace in Gwer-West

— Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA) Calls for Government Urgent Action Amid Ongoing Attacks

The Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA) has strongly refuted Governor Hyacinth Alia’s recent declaration that peace has been fully restored in Gwer-West, Logo, Aliade, and Guma Local Government Areas. During a church gathering, the governor reportedly claimed that since the inception of his administration, incidents of killings in these areas had ceased. However, FoTA insists that this assertion does not reflect the stark reality on the ground, as communities in Gwer-West and Makurdi LGAs remain under relentless attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen.

Ongoing Attacks and Rising Insecurity

Backing its position with documented evidence, FoTA recalled a prior press release issued on October 18, 2024, titled “A Cry for Help: The Darkest Days for Tyoshin Land,” which chronicled the gruesome killing of five people along the Makurdi-Naka Road and three others at Nagi-Camp, Mbachohon Council Ward. Between January and October 2024, over 20 lives were lost due to sustained attacks.

Despite these alarming figures, the violence has continued into 2025. Between February 2nd and 3rd, three additional deaths were recorded, including two in Gyaluwa land, Gwer-West LGA. In a particularly gruesome incident at Tse-Gyuche in Tsambe/Mbesev Council Ward, two individuals were reportedly amputated while attempting to prevent herders from destroying their cassava crops.

FoTA Questions Governor’s Position

The forum expressed deep concern over Governor Alia’s statement, raising two possible explanations for his claim:

1. That the governor has been misinformed by his aides from Gwer-West LGA, who have failed to provide him with accurate reports on the continued killings.
2. That the governor has deliberately chosen to ignore the worsening security crisis, leaving affected communities to their fate.

Either scenario, FoTA argued, is unacceptable, as it highlights a dangerous disconnect between the government and the plight of the Tyoshin people.

Renewed Call for Government Action

FoTA has, therefore, issued an urgent plea to Governor Alia and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to acknowledge the dire situation in Gwer-West and Makurdi LGAs, where communities remain under siege. For over a decade, displaced Tyoshin families have been unable to return home safely, instead living as internally displaced persons (IDPs) within their own land.

Although FoTA had previously commended Governor Alia and Gwer-West LGA Chairman, Hon. Victor Ormin, for efforts to facilitate IDP resettlement, the forum now stresses that such efforts must be backed by robust security measures. “The recent spate of killings confirms that ‘it is not yet Uhuru,’” the statement read, emphasizing that the returnees do not feel safe.

Government Urged to Fulfill Constitutional Mandate

As insecurity escalates, FoTA has called on both the Benue State and federal governments to take decisive action to protect lives and property. The forum insists that the Tyoshin people, like all Nigerians, deserve the full protection of the government and urges authorities to prioritize security in these troubled areas.

The statement was signed by FoTA’s National President, Prof. Patrick Ukase, and its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. John Ajai.