Benue state governor, Ortom blows hot, says President Buhari is not concerned about Fulani herdsmen attacks (Details, pics)

Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, says he is ready to sacrifice his political ambition to defend his people following the New Year day attack on the state's communities by Fulani herdsmen.

The governor made the comment during an emergency stakeholders meeting at the Benue People’s House Makurdi recently.

Governor Ortom stated that even if it means to sacrifice 2019 elections for his people to be safe, he is ready to let go.

In his words:

“I have reported the persistent threat by the leadership of Miyetti Allah to President Buhari to effect their arrest but he was less concerned, now this people have done exactly what they were out for. He also frowned at the nonchalant attitudes of the federal government in tackling the crises since it started.

"For now I have put on hold all political activities to ensure that the genocide being carried by the suspected Fulani herdsmen on Benue indigenes is put to an end. “I was duly elected by my people to protect lives and properties, I cannot afford to watch my people killed in their farms and homes like chicken and the fact that we have chosen to support the president by abiding by the law does not make us weaker people the herdsmen do not have the monopoly of carrying arms.

“The people of the state voted massively for the president because of his honesty and integrity except he is now telling us that as the patron of Miyetti Allah he has changed from what he has been known for, to join hands with his people to kill us or the association is above the law.”

The governor also expressed shock over media reports quoting the Inspector General of Police as saying the crisis in the state is as a result of communal clashes.

“Until I speak with the IG myself for him to repeat what I am hearing and reading in the media before I will believe what they are saying is true, if this is confirmed, then I will believe he is one among those killing us," the governor said.

He appealed to all sons and daughters of the state, at home and in the diaspora irrespective of tribe, political and religion affiliations to come together to strategies on security of lives and properties in the state.

He also disclosed that 18 herdsmen were already in remand at the prison for contravening the anti-open grazing law, saying, the law has come to stay, no going back.

Meanwhile, the Benue state government has concluded arrangements to give mass burial to the victims of the New Year attack by herdsmen, on Thursday, January 11.