Ortom directs mobilisation of security agencies to affected communities

- Governor Ortom of Benue state is making efforts to end the conflict in some communities

- Security agencies have been directed to mobilise their personnel to affected ares

- According to APC chairman in Benue, Abba Yaro, over 500 Benue indigenes had so far lost their lives to the invasion between January and now

The Benue state governor has directed all security agencies in the state mobilise its personnel to areas affected by the recent conflict.

The governor said such move will curtail activities of hoodlums operating within the affected communities, Punch reports.

Speaking on Thursday, June 7, during a press briefing, the Benue state commissioner of information and orientation, Lawrence Onoja, while making the announcement also condemned remarks by the minister of defence, Mansur Dan-Ali.

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Onoja accused the minister instigating the recent attack on resident of Tse Zongu of Mbagwen on Wednesday, June 6. He said the attack came barely 24 hours after his utterance.

“From the timing of these killings, the militia herdsmen must have been encouraged by the unfortunate statement of the defence minister, who had just two days ago suggested the suspension of the anti-open grazing law.

“The implication of such provocative statement is that the militia herdsmen could have been inspired in their attacks on Benue communities," Onoja said.

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Also, the Benue state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abba Yaro, said over 500 Benue indigenes had so far lost their lives to the invasion between January and now.

Yaro said: “The APC in Benue voted not to be killed. We will not take this insult. Buhari should caution him as a principled man.

“The minister should apologise or resign with immediate effect. The law was made by the people of the state and not by the governor. If this statement is allowed, how will our party campaign in 2019?"

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Ortom had announced that he would be taking a break from all political activities over the killings in the state.

The governor said his decision to stay away from political activities would continue until a solution to end the killings in Benue is found.

The governor, while lamenting the alleged herdsmen invasion in the state, said he has abandoned his 2019 ambition into God's hands as the situation in the state does not encourage campaign.

Benue Elders Speak on Herdsmen Attacks on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng