<<< By Terver Akase >>>
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has urged communities in the state to embrace dialogue as panacea for prevention of communal clashes.
Governor Ortom stated this during a thanksgiving service at the Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria, CRC – N, Abinsi, Guma local government area of the state.
He said the situation where communities which ought to be peaceful rise against their neighbours resulting in the loss of lives and property was preventing the provision of development projects for the people.
The Governor warned those bent on fomentimg trouble between the people of Abinsi and their neighbours to allow peace to reign as his administration would not hesitate to clamp down on anyone found culpable.
He announced that the State Government would soon facilitate the establishment of a police barracks in the area to check criminal acts. Other things the Governor said his administration would provide for Abinsi people included a 500KVA transformer and health centre.
Speaking earlier, the traditional ruler of the area, Chief Christopher Apaki, thanked Governor Ortom for the visit and for giving the people of Abinsi a sense of belonging in his government by appointing Junkun sons and daughters into leadership positions.
He commended the Governor over his numerous achievements in just one year and urged him to keep up the good work.
In a sermon, the pastor in charge of CRC – N, Abinsi, Reverend Jethro Musa, said the recent dedication of the state to God by Governor Ortom marked the beginning of many great things to happen in the state. He described the Governor as a humble man who is committed to selfless service to the state.
Other speakers at the event were Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr Abraham Kwaghngu and the SSA on local government and chieftaincy affairs, Mr Innocent Abanyilo.