Nigerian govt denied UN delegation landing permit to cover up herdsmen atrocities in Benue- Ortom

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has given reasons why a team of the United Nations was denied landing permit at Makurdi Airport.

According to the governor, the Air force deliberately prevented the delegation in order prevent them from catching glimpses of scenes of attack and destruction that have come upon the state in recent times.

The state has been on the news for the bad reasons following series of killings by herdsmen across communities in the state.

The governor spoke yesterday in Makurdi while swearing in nine newly-appointed commissioners.

“They did not want the delegation to come to Benue to get firsthand information of the dehumanizing situation and injustice our people are facing. It is not fair.

“I will not accept it and I will not keep quiet. If you want me to keep quiet, give me justice.

“It is only a fool that will die 20 times before his actual death and you know that I am not a fool. I am ready to die once, as far as I get justice for my people.”

The governor said the EFCC has become a department of the APC government stating that, in the last eight months, officials of his administration had allegedly been subjected to several interrogations by the anti-graft agency over N120 million expended on the burial of former Tor Tiv and Chairman of the state’s Traditional Council, the late Akawe Torkula, and resettlement of his family two years ago.

“EFCC has become a department in the All Progressives Congress, APC, that is used to harass and intimidate perceived political enemies.

“It is unfortunate that if you are a member of APC, you are a saint, but the moment you leave the party, they demonise you and you are hunted.

“I am a strong advocate of the fight against corruption, but it has to be holistic and total and not selective.”

Denying the claim by the governor, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said a NOTAM (Notice to All Airmen) had earlier been served and had taken effect since August 22.

Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola stated that the runway 0523 to be used was closed to all civil aviation operators (private aircraft) due to ongoing repairs at the airport.

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He said the airport would remain closed until the repairs were completed.

“Military aircraft make use of the airport, but we cannot give a clearance to a private/civil aircraft to land there, “he said.

Daramola said that the force was aware that the UN delegation was being led by the UN Special Representative for West Africa, Ibm Chambers, and that they were to visit Borno, Lagos and Rivers.

“In those airports, they had no issues with landing, but that of Benue State is different. For you to know that the Air Force has no ulterior motive, the request for the use of the airport, was written and communicated by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“There is nothing we can do.

“The NOTAM is there for everybody to see; its reference number is Coo/64/18.”

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