Fulani herdsmen killings vengeance against Benue for stopping 1804 Jihad —Gov Ortom

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has described the attacks and killings of his people as an act of vengeance by Fulani herders who believe that the people of the state stopped their 1804 Jihad.

The governor also insisted that it was apparent that the Federal Government has taken sides with Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, insisting that both the statement of Inspector General of Police and Defence Minister were prove to that.

While he noted that President Muhammadu Buhari has made some efforts in addressing the matter, he however said that he was not satisfied with what the presidency is doing on the matter.

The governor went further to say that his chief concern currently was for the Federal Government to stop herdsmen from killing his people and not 2019 general elections.

He stated this in an exclusive interview with ‘The Osasu Show’.

“It is as if the federal government has taken sides with Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association. Both the IG of police and defence ministers statements are testaments to what I am saying.

“Though I don’t know the level of support the herders get from the presidency, but the press statements by the Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association comes from people living in Abuja.

“Well, I wouldn’t know about their patrons or the extent of some cabal involvement. But one thing I know is that the people that have been issuing these press conferences and statements are known. They are living in Abuja, they are living with the powers that be.

“These people have gone beyond grazing; it is about invading the land and taking over. All the places they have attacked, they have chased the people away and they are using their farmlands produce as feed for their cattle.

“They are conducting international conferences, issuing press releases and writing on social media and they have come out to say look, in 1804 Jihad, it was Benue people that stopped them from penetrating from Sokoto to the sea.

“And this time around, they are not going to stop. They will make sure that the mobilise all Fulani men across the globe, especially from the West African sub-region to ensure that they acquire arms and come and invade and take over the land.

“Because they also said that Nigeria is the only land that God has given them, so no other person will supervene on this land except them. That it is their own land, they got this land by conquest and we have no business staying on this land. It is unbelievable. The statement is coming from Miyetti Allah.

“For now, my primary concern is to stop these killings; to ensure that the IDPs go back to their homes and live peacefully. Once that is done, we can talk about other things,” he said.

“I don’t care about what happens tomorrow. Even if I am not governor, I can stay back and fight for the right of my people.

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“When we visited, we even invited the president to come to Benue state and pay his condolences to his people. Because we are members of the party, he is our president. If these people are attacking us, we expect him to give us security.

“He has done a number of things. He directed NEMA to provide relief materials, he also asked for security to be beefed up but I am not satisfied with what the presidency is doing on this matter. There is no doubt about that.

“I ask for justice for Benue people because we have not been treated fairly. The attack on Benue is an act of vengeance by herders for losing the 1804 Jihad. Benue people stopped them from penetrating the state through the sea”, the governor said.

 

 

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