Paramount Ruler of Tiv Nation and Chairman, Benue State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Begha u Tiv, Orcivirigh, Professor James Ayatse has warned politicians to abstain from violence and anything that will cause unrest in the country during the general elections.

The monarch went further to place a curse on politicians plotting to instigate violence in Benue State, he said;

“The traditional institution is committed to peace because we are at the receiving end. Whoever wants to cause chaos, the land will be against such a person.”

“We are here to talk about peace ahead of the forthcoming general elections. If there are any people who desire peace, it is Benue. We have suffered a lot. That is why we are talking peace.”

“We as traditional rulers live with the people and we know the pains they go through. We feel the pain when we are faced with violence. We are totally committed to peace in Benue and we are prepared to pay the price to ensure peace.”

“That is why we have taken the step to be apolitical in our dealings. We have suffered long enough. The ceremony is important but the action that follows is more important. The peace pact should not end on papers but must be translated into real action.”

He said this at an event in Makurdi organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the signing of a peace pact by governorship candidates in the state.