The Jukuns have decried the alleged marginalization and exclusion of their people from governance in Benue State

The Jukun ethnic nationality in Benue have decried the alleged marginalization and exclusion of their people from the governance of the state.

The group under the aegis of national association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUWA), at a press conference addressed by Mr. Musa Atase, on Saturday called on President Bola Tinubu and the national Assembly to wade into the issue in the interest of peace, equity and justice.

Calling on well meaning Nigerians to identify with their cause, they stressed the need for the creation of a local government for the Jukun in Benue state.

The group also known as the Riverine Jukun, they claimed that despite being the original inhabitants and rightful owners of the land now comprising 14 local government councils in Tiv land, they have faced suppression, dehumanization, and inhumane treatment in the hand of the state government.

NAJUWA recalled that the claim by the Tiv that the Jukuns are strangers or settlers in Benue state had long been settled by several historical accounts, including the one of the Oki commission of inquiry that established that the Jukuns had inhabited the 14 councils for over 200 years before the Tiv people migrated to their present location.

Decrying the removal of Jukun kingdoms from the Benue state traditional law enacted in 2015, they noted that it’s unfortunate the Tiv have continued to pursue policies that violate the 1999 constitution as amended to their consternation.

NAJUWA further called on the Tiv traditional Council and Benue state Government and Local Government Council to stay clear of Jukun affairs and desist forthwith from referring to them as strangers or visitors in their own ancestral land.

They noted: “Despite our hospitality in welcoming them centuries ago, the Tiv—now advantaged by numbers, resources, and political power—have systematically seized our lands, renamed our towns and villages, and replaced our traditional institutions with theirs. They have instigated conflicts to erase our existence, yet we have consistently chosen peace over retaliation or any other unlawful means.

“We will no longer remain silent in the face of oppression. Benue State, our ancestral home, is presently embroiled in turmoil, with recurring, unjustified attacks often attributed to Fulani herdsmen. Many lives have been lost, and properties worth millions destroyed. Unfortunately, the media is awash with allegations, while the government appears helpless.

“NAJUWA is deeply concerned by these developments. We emphasize that life is sacred, and no provocation justifies taking another’s life. We urge those perpetrating violence to learn from the Jukun-Wanu of Benue, who, despite enduring attacks and oppression from the Tiv, have chosen to pursue justice through lawful means, specifically the courts, rather than resorting to violence -our restraint which although has been misconstrued as weakness.” (The Guardian)