In a video seen by SaharaReporters, the man vowed that Fulani herders would retaliate with violence and destruction if provoked.

A suspected Fulani herder has threatened to carry out mass killings of Tiv people in Benue State if they harm any Fulani person or cow. 

In a video seen by SaharaReporters, the man vowed that Fulani herders would retaliate with violence and destruction if provoked.

In the disturbing footage, he repeatedly accused Tiv communities of trying to drive Fulani people out of the state and warned that such actions would not be tolerated.

“Hello Tiv, if you do not stop, we will chop you peoples' father,” he said. “You are saying you will drive us away from Benue State. It is a lie.”

He named Kadarko, Balaki Daudu, and Utese as places where retaliatory attacks would begin if the threats continued. 

“What starts from Kadarko, Balaki Daudu to Utese — we will condemn you all if you don't stop tormenting us,” he declared.

The man specifically threatened to attack vehicles marked with “Benue” and insisted that only Tiv people would be targeted. “We see your cars passing with inscriptions ‘Benue, Benue’… we will check and kill only Tiv people.” 

He blamed former Governor Samuel Ortom for the crisis. “Otorm, you are the one that causes all the chaos… although we heard the current government is trying its best… Ortom, you are the one that causes everything that is happening now.”

Ortom, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, had signed the anti-open grazing law, banning herders from moving freely with their cattle in the state.

The man warned that another attack would be more deadly than previous ones.

“The last time we struck, Tinubu came to sympathise with you and was smiling. 

The next time you kill our people or cow, we will kill until Tinubu cries with his two eyes.”

SaharaReporters had reported that marauding herdsmen launched an attack on Wannune community, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, barely 48 hours after President Bola Tinubu visited the state to address the worsening insecurity. 

According to residents who spoke with SaharaReporters on Friday evening, the attackers burned houses and everything in sight, forcing residents to flee for safety.

One of the residents, a youth corps member serving in the community, had described the scene as chaotic, with everyone running into the bushes for safety.

"Everyone is running into the bushes for safety. Please let Nigerians pray for us. The herdsmen are ravaging the environment now," the corps member said in an SOS, calling on security agencies in the state for urgent intervention.

This latest attack raises concerns about the effectiveness of President Tinubu's recent visit and the measures put in place to address the insecurity in Benue State.

During his visit, Tinubu had met with stakeholders and directed the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to arrest those responsible for the killings.

The President's visit followed the massacre in Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, which saw around 200 people killed. 

The attack sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many questioning the government's ability to protect its citizens.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, had also criticised President Tinubu's visit, calling it a "political spectacle" rather than a sincere effort to address the state's security issues. 

"It's commendable when a leader empathises with the people; offering a shoulder to lean on and sharing in their grief is a mark of true leadership. However, the visit was marred by political theatrics," Atiku's Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, said.

The fresh attack in Wannune highlights the ongoing security challenges in Benue State and the need for effective measures to protect lives and property. 

The government has been urged to take concrete steps to address the root causes of the violence and ensure the safety of its citizens. 

WATCH: Suspected Fulani Herdsman Threatens Mass Killing Of Tiv People In Benue If They Harm Cows Or His Tribesmen pic.twitter.com/SJ8mcrVNAi

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) June 24, 2025