Security analyst Salihu Dantata has disputed recent assertions about land grabbing in Benue State, arguing that many herdsmen have deep historic ties to local communities.
Responding to allegations made by the Benue State governor during an Arise TV interview from 5:18, Dantata offered a different perspective on the ongoing tensions in the region. “You know the governor is entitled to his opinion, but to the best of my knowledge, because when you’re talking about land grabbing, it is when someone comes from somewhere and just encroaches into your land,” Dantata explained. “Some of these domesticated herdsmen have lived with the Agatu and Tiv people for long, even though you cannot rule out politics as well as intrusion of some foreign machineries who are also foreign Fulani.”
The security expert emphasized the long-standing cultural integration between these communities as evidence against the land-grabbing narrative. “The Fulani people even speak their Tiv language; some of the Fulani also speak the Agatu language,” he noted.
Dantata also highlighted recent improvements in Nigeria’s security capabilities, pointing to significant investments in military technology. “We are up-to-date with intelligence gathering, use of drones, and modern gadgets. Monies were expanded to procure for the land army, air force, and others during the Buhari’s administration,” he stated.
The analyst further referenced ongoing military modernization efforts under the current administration. “At the onset of this Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, there were certain arms and ammunition that were also procured. Even some days ago, the President and Commander-in-Chief went to commission some newly procured fighter jets for the Nigerian Air Force and other weapons.”
