By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Orchard Farm belong to the former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo located at Howe, few kilometers from Aliede, headquarters of Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State has been gutted by fire.
According to the Manager of the farm, Zubello Muhamed the incident occurred when he traveled out of the area for an official assignment during the weekend, explaining that he was informed at about 2pm that the farm was on fire.
The Manager contended that all efforts to quench the fire was unsuccessful, stressing that the parameters of the farm has been carefully fire traced to avoid such incident.
Muhammed who maintained that though the cause of the incident was yet to be unraveled, however alleged that it was not unconnected to the mischief makers who are demanding for compensation of the portion of the land where the farm is located.
The Manager lamented that he had prevented several attempts to set the farm ablaze during this dry season, pointing out that despite numerous benefits members of the host community stand to benefit from the farm, they have insisted that compensation should be given to them.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Gwer Local Government Area, Mr Emmanuel Ortserga who visited the scene of the fire incident, expressed suck. He directed security agents to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of the dasterdly act.
