THE REVENGE WILL BE SO BAD, at its monthly meeting today 22/3/14 at the Residence of Dr. L.Z . Gbaa, in Lugbe , members of ONTIV Professionals Association, Abuja reviewed the killings of Tivs in the Middle Belt of Nigeria and came out with the followings : OPA notes with concern the total near silence of both the FG , Security apparatus and even statutory agencies like NEMA in the genocide being carried out against the Tivs in Nasarawa, Taraba and Benue states by suspected herdsmen and their mercenaries . OPA notes that these killings have been on for sometimes now so there is no question that the relevant authorities are not aware. OPA is alarmed that these attackers are sometimes aided by military personnel as it occurred in various parts of Naka, Kwande and Guma local govts areas. OPA also notes with total disbelief that security personnel could accompany an Executive Governor to see devastation in his state and the governor will come under attack from the expansionist forces with no significant response from FG. OPA notes that this is not just a communal conflict but a carefully planned genocides against the Tivs . OPA was briefed that over 7000 lives have been lost, thousands of houses destroyed and farms worth billions of Naira have been vandalised by these invaders. They kill, rape ,destroy property and settle to enjoy the spoil ! OPA was briefed on efforts of both state government and International agencies in bringing the situation under control and the frustration being encountered in this regards. OPA came to the sad realisation that the Tiv nation is on its own now and we must close ranks to defend our ancestral homes against these invaders. OPA RECOMMENDATIONS Every Tiv person wherever you are residing should make efforts to contact his or her people back home for material and non material assistance in this time of need. Many dont even know when their next meal will come. Our state govt should realise that the FG is playing politics with the lives of our people and should as matter of urgency equip both Operation Zenda and the registered vigilantes and Nigerian Legion to repel attackers as well as gather information against these invaders. That the Benue state House of Assembly should pass a vote of no confidence in all heads of security forces in the state and request for neutral officers to come and head these institutions such as NAF, Police, and the Military. That the military base in Takum be asked to provide those officers that were used to give cover to the invaders for them to be tried as OPA was able to get their names as : 1 .Musa Danlan 2. Iliya Ibrahim 3. Agabus Policap And 4. Uchena Theophilus whom we got information that he is not a military person but came in military uniform to attack Tivs in Jato Aka in Kwande local govt area. There were hospitalised in Makurdi and hurriedly released without any action from the military High command and by implication , connivance with them. OPA requests that HE Gov. Gabriel Suswam should remove the boss of BEMA without delay. Mr. Agbatse has become a stumbling block and compounds our woes as he is non charlatan towards even International organisations that have tried in vain right from the time of flood disaster up to now to get statistic of IDP from Benue without success . He has even disgraced the Deputy Governor by refusing to bring statistics when international organisations went to Benue to collect statistic by refusing to show up in the meeting with these bodies. Benue state govt should quickly establish camps for these IDPS so that help can be given to them from both individuals ,organisations and corporate bodies. The practice of staying with relations and individual camps does not give room for good statistic to use when pressing for help from our friends who share in our time of grief. OPA on its own has lost confidence in both the NSA, Minister of Defence and even the military that has become part of the invading force to commit genocide against the Tivs . We salute the courage and resolute spirit of the Tivs and pray that God will give us the strength to overcome this as our forefathers overcame the same invaders in the past. OPA says enough is enough . History has a way of repeating itself. The attempt to annihilate the Tivs in the 60s came with a heavy cost. We hope the same part is not being followed now. We also urge HE, Gov Gabriel Suswam to get strong and liaise with retired Military officers in the state who will be able to guide him on the best way out of this genocide against the Tivs . FINALLY ,OPA ASKS TIV PEOPLE NOT TO GIVE OUT AN INCH OF OUR ANCESTRAL LAND TO ANYBODY FOR GRAZING ACTIVITY. RANCHERS SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN THE FAR NORTH TO TAKE CARE OF THE CATTLE AND FARMLANDS IN TIV LANDS IN NASARAWA, BENUE AND TARABA STATES BE USED FOR OUR FARMING ACTIVITIES. ENGR . MATTHEW CHIR. PRESIDENT , OPA, ABUJA
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 17:46:04 +0000