- Governor Samuel Ortom has responded to criticisms that he is speaking too much about the killings carried out in his state by herdsmen
- The governor stated that he would not stop talking about the matter, until justice is served; and vowed to keep shouting till then
- He lamented over the fact that the attacks took place just as farmers were harvesting their crops, and stated that he was awaiting the implementation of the resolution reached by the Senate on the matter
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has asked for justice form those criticizing him about talking too much about the killings carried out in his state by herdsmen, and vowed that he would not keep quiet until he gets it.
According to The Sun, the governor made his remarks during a visit by the former governor of Kano state, Senator Rabiu Kwakwaso, in Makurdi, the state capital, on Thursday, January 25.
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NAIJ.com gathers that the governor further disclosed that following the attack by herdsmen in the Guma Local Government area of the state between Wednesday, January 24 and early hours of Thursday, January 25, two persons were killed.
He stated: “People who are saying that I am talking too much should give me justice and I will keep quiet. These people are not just grazing but are coming to take over our land. And they want me to keep quiet. How can I keep quiet? As long as there is no justice, I will continue to shout, talk and sing.”
He went further: “As I talk to you, Benue is still under siege. Even security agents that were sent are being killed by these people. Only yesterday, somebody from my local government was slaughtered and burnt. That is the new dimension to the killings.”
The governor lamented over the fact that the attacks took place just as farmers were harvesting their crops, and stated that he was looking forward to the implementation of the resolution reached by the Senate on the matter.
In his words: “Benue remains the food basket of the nation. This is happening at a time the farmers are harvesting their crops. We look forward that the resolution of the senate would be implemented. These people are not just grazing but are coming to take over our land.”
On his part, Senator Kwakwaso urged the nation’s leaders to join hands and ensure that such incidents do not repeat themselves.
He stated: “We are here to condole with the government and entire people of the state over the loss of 73 people. I join the good people of the country to condemn those who perpetuated the killings and similar acts in Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa and other states of the country
“I believe it’s time leaders join hands to condemn the act and ensure such acts doesn’t happen again in the country.”
Kwakwaso further announced a donation of 1,200 bags of rice to the over 80,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) currently placed in six camps in the state.
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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that Governor Samuel Ortom lamented over the activities of herdsmen in the state which resulted in the killings of indigenes.
The governor who spoke at the memorial service held for the victims of the recent attacks, described them as fallen heroes.
He stated that the people of the state had looked forward to the new year with renewed hopes and aspirations before the incident.
Victims of herdsmen killing buried in Benue state - on NAIJ.com TV:
Source: Naija.ng