Tor Tiv visits Yelwata attack victims at BSUTH, donates N1m for treatment

The Tor Tiv V, His Royal Majesty Professor James Iorzua Ayatse, on Thursday visited victims of the Yelwata massacre receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, offering a ₦1 million donation to support their medical care and recovery.

The visit followed the recent gruesome attack on the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area by suspected armed Fulani herders, which left over 200 people dead, several injured, and many displaced.

Accompanied by other prominent traditional rulers, Tor Lobi, HRH Chief Moses Mfave Anagende; Ter Guma, HRH Dennis Sheembe; and Ter Makurdi, Chief Vincent Ahule, the Tor Tiv was welcomed by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, who led the delegation through the wards.

The royal team interacted personally with survivors, offering comfort and prayers, and encouraging them to remain strong in the face of adversity.

In his remarks, the Tor Tiv assured the victims of ongoing efforts to secure peace in Benue communities and promised to engage with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other authorities to find lasting solutions to the frequent attacks.

“We must not lose hope. We trust God, and we shall continue to press for peace, security, and justice,” he said.

Before the hospital visit, the Tor Tiv and his delegation had visited Yelwata to assess the devastation first-hand, meet with residents, and offer prayers for healing and recovery.

The Tor Tiv also reaffirmed the traditional council’s resolve to advocate for greater security presence in vulnerable areas and push for adequate relief interventions from both the state and federal governments.

In appreciation, Dr. Hwande praised the Tor Tiv’s show of solidarity and generosity, describing it as a timely and morale-boosting gesture. He reaffirmed BSUTH’s commitment to caring for the injured, despite limited resources, and called on other well-meaning Nigerians to support the hospital’s efforts.