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Ortom insists Benue killings due to Presidency, security agencies’ unresponsive attitude

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Ortom insists Benue killings due to Presidency, security agencies’ unresponsive attitude

Ortom insists Benue killings due to Presidency, security agencies’ unresponsive attitude

Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has insisted that failures of the Presidency and security agencies to respond to earlier warnings led to the killings of over 100 innocent people in his state by herdsmen.

The governor, who had made this claim before now, maintained his position on Wednesday when he appeared at a meeting with the joint Senate Committee on Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence.

To prove his allegations, he showed the lawmakers copies of his letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and the security chiefs before and after the crisis began.

He said, “Over 100 people killed in Benue would not have died if security agencies were responsive. None of the letters (to the Presidency) was replied.

“The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, attributed the Benue killings to blockade of grazing routes and implementation of ranching law.

“His position is misleading and dishonest. We hope that his position is not that of the Federal Government.”

Speaking further during the meeting, Ortom told the committee how the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who was ordered by President Buhari to relocate to Benue “spent a night in Lafia before coming to Benue.”

He added, “His PRO (Jimoh Moshood) insulted me on a public television programme that ‘the Governor of Benue State is a drowning man.’ IGP has not apologised and has not removed the FPRO.

“Miyetti Allah Cattle Herders Association boldly announced, ‘Expect more blood to flow in Benue State,’ and more blood is flowing, yet the IGP has not arrested or questioned them.

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“Nigerians clearly know the side the IGP stands on. He is not on the side of justice and should resign.”

Ortom recalled that before the anti-open grazing law was implemented, that herders in Benue were given a six-month grace to establish ranches but that they failed to do so.

He refuted the allegation that he was sponsoring a militia group in the troubled state.

 

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