Tiv Group Files N550bn Suit Against Buhari, Miyetti Allah, Others

The Incorporated Trustees of Mdzough-U-Tiv, a socio-cultural association of the Tiv people, have filed a N550 billion fundamental rights suit against President Muhammadu Buhari and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria as compensation for damages for the victims of attacks by herdsmen in Benue State.

Others listed as respondents in the suit, filed at a Federal High Court in Abuja, which has the President-General of Mdzough-U-Tiv, Mr Edward Ujege, as plaintiff, are the Incorporated Trustees of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; Abdullahi Bodejo, Saleh Al Hassan; Garius Gololo and Husaini Bosso.

Apart from the demand for monetary compensation, the plaintiffs are asking the court for an order directing President Buhari to provide adequate and effective security and protection to all surviving victims and members of the affected communities in their ancestral homes and everywhere in Benue State.

The suit chronicled attacks by “armed herdsmen” in the state leading to the wanton destruction of lives and property including schools, hospitals, worship centres, markets and farmlands belonging to the various communities where the attacks took place.

The trial judge, Justice I. Ekwo ordered the substituted service of the court processes on the respondents through newspaper publication and fixed hearing October 24, 2018.