
The Benue State Governor-elect, Chief Dr Samuel Ortom, has condemned the renewed violence in Agatu and Guma local government areas of Benue State and appealed to security agencies to redouble efforts to stop further escalation of the situation.
Chief Dr Ortom was reacting to reports of the recent clash between communities in Agatu as well as attacks on several communities in Mbadwem council ward of Guma local government area last Saturday both of which claimed more than 30 lives.
The Governor-elect pledged to collaborate with relevant authorities to find a permanent solution to such crises.
He described the development as sad, unfortunate, avoidable and reprehensible.
The former Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment lamented that the violence which usually took a toll on human lives and property further compounded the abject poverty of the people in the affected areas and sets the clock of development backwards.
He commiserated with the families of those who lost loved ones in the areas and prayed that God would comfort them even as he appealed to governments at all levels, individuals and organizations to provide support that would cushion the effect of the crisis and mitigate humanitarian problems.
Chief Dr Ortom noted with concern the concerted influx of herdsmen into all parts of the state this year and called on security agencies, traditional and community leaders to be proactive in forestalling further attacks and promoting peace building and mutual coexistence efforts.
While emphasizing that peace was imperative for development, he said the solution to the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen remained the establishment of ranches while communities must imbibe dialogue and other legal ways as means of resolving conflicts.
Signed:
Tahav Agerzua,
Media Adviser to
Benue State Governor-elect.
Sir.may the Almighty God guide, and protect you through out your 8years as the governor of Benue state.John Nyamve.my phone no:08108526679