Ortom urges FG to fufil promise to resettle IDPs, berates Miyetti Allah
- Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue has urged the federal government to fulfil its promise to resettle IDPs in the state
- The governor said resources of Benue state had been overstretched in managing the IDP camps
- Governor Ortom also condemned Miyetti Allah's order given to its members to defend themselves
Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom has urged the federal government to fulfil its promise to resettle Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, living in various camps following herdsmen attacks on the state last year.
Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo had visited the IDP camps in May last year and announced that the federal government had earmarked N10 billion for the resettlement of victims of the attacks in Benue and other states.
Speaking on Saturday, July 20 at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, when he received the president of Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, Reverend Stephen Panya Baba, Governor Ortom disclosed that the government had not yet fulfiled the promise.
He said resources of Benue state had been overstretched in managing the IDP camps, stating that if the federal government redeems its pledge, the funds would greatly assist the state in returning the affected persons to their ancestral homes.
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The governor also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call for a national dialogue forum where Nigerians would frankly speak on issues affecting the country, particularly insecurity and proffer solutions.
As an interim measure to end the wave of threats and counter threats from different sections of the country, Governor Ortom recommended that security operatives should not ignore those beating drums of war.
He condemned the latest order the Fulani herders association, Miyetti Allah Kautal H*ore has given to its members to defend themselves, describing the order as capable of causing unimaginable violence.
The governor wondered why the group continuously makes inflammatory statements but its officials are not invited for questioning.
He, however, called for national prayers for peace in all parts of the country, expressing the hope that the current security challenges would soon be overcome.
On his part, Reverend Panya Baba commended Governor Ortom who he said stood firmly with his people despite the security and political storm, saying it was an indication that the governor is a leader who truly loves his people.
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Miyetti Allah had earlier called on the Fulani herdsmen to defend themselves against attack by ethnic militia groups.
Saleh Alhassan, Miyyeti Allah's national secretary, made the statement, maintaining that herdsmen must enjoy the freedom of movement as entrenched by the Nigerian constitution.
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