By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Piqued by continued attacks on Benue Communities by suspected herders in the state, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has urged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency declare Fulani herdsmen as a Terrorists group.
Ortom made the assertion Thursday at the government house Makurdi during a solidarity visit to him by members of the Nigeria Bar Association(NBA), Makurdi branch to condole him over the gruesome murder of Barr Moses Udam, his wife and Mr Nyityo at Agboughul community in Makurdi Local Government Area by suspected herdsmen.
The Governor wondered why groups such as IPOB have long been declared as a Terrorists group and nobody is saying anything about herders who attack and kill citizens with sophisticated weapons and claim responsibility.
“How can you say you have branded IPOB as a Terrorists group but for Fulani herdsmen, nobody is saying anything about it. If the Federal Government want this senseless killings to stop, it will stop”, Ortom posited.
Continuing, he noted that ” the herders have not hidden their agenda in Nigeria”, pointing out that they are to continue with the Jihad agenda. He noted that in Benue State” we have stood firmly in resisting any attempt to take over our ancestral land”.
The Governor who condemned renewed attacks on communities in the state said it was a calculated attempt to intimidate the government to give up on the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law implementation.
He reiterated Government’s resolve to implement the Law prohibiting open grazing in the state, noting that nothing will stop him from ensuring protection of lives and property of his people. Ortom lauded security operatives for being alive to their responsibilities. He called on members of the public to collaborate with security agents to stop further attacks.
The Governor admonished the Federal Government whose prelogative is to provide security to do the needful by providing adequate security for lives and property.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, NBA, Makurdi branch, Mr Moses Anom condemned in its entirety, the gruesome murder of Barr Udam and three others, describing it as unacceptable.
“It’s a heart full of grief to pay you a solidarity visit over the gruesome murder of our people and general insecurity in the state.
Meanwhile, members of the bar , Makurdi branch have declared next Monday as work free day in honor of their deceased member, Barr Moses Udam.
