The Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has called on the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to take firm action against criminal elements operating under the guise of herders.

Speaking during a meeting with MACBAN representatives, the Benue monarch acknowledged the association’s previous statements distancing itself from violence but emphasized that the crisis transcends ordinary herding. He said the problem lies in criminal herders who have infiltrated and tarnished the image of legitimate cattle breeders.

“We are dealing with both herders and criminal herders,” the Tor Tiv noted. “It’s like having mechanics doing their work, but madmen join them, all dressed the same. If you say only a few are bad, then remove the bad ones.”

He reflected on the peaceful nature of traditional herders known in Benue communities, saying they were once responsible, used sticks to guide their cattle, and avoided damaging farmlands.

“The herders we knew growing up were peaceful. They never engaged in destruction or violence,” he said.

Addressing a point raised in a previous northern traditional rulers’ meeting, he challenged the notion of defending harmful cultural practices:

“What culture are we preserving? If it includes killing, destruction, land-grabbing, and rape, then that culture must not continue. That was never part of the nomadic lifestyle.”

The *Tor Tiv* condemned the brutal acts attributed to armed herders, including killings, rape, displacement of communities, and destruction of farmland. He said such acts are unacceptable and must be decisively addressed.

While reaffirming that law-abiding herders are welcome in Benue, he drew a clear line:

“If you come in peace, we will show you where the grass is green. But if you come to kill and destroy, that’s a foreign culture that cannot be tolerated here.”

He urged MACBAN to take ownership of the problem and act decisively

“Don’t claim you don’t know them. They speak like you, dress like you, and carry AK-47s like you. If they walk like you and kill like you, how can you say they are not part of you?”

The monarch’s remarks reflect growing tensions in Benue State, where violent clashes between armed herders and farming communities have led to widespread displacement and loss of life.