Benue trouble makers’ll be made to face the law – Ortom

 

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state Wednesday said those fermenting crisis in the state will be arrested and made to face the law.

Ortom made this known at the Government House,  when he received report from Commission of Inquiry into Abinsi/Fiidi  crisis.

He stated that under his watch, he will not allow anyone to create disaffection between Tiv and Jukun who  lived as brothers for ages in Benue.

The governor said  those who were mentioned in the report to be responsible for the crisis in Abinsi and Fiidi, which led to loss of lives and wanton destruction of property would be  made to face the law.

He said both Jukun and Tiv, whether in Taraba or Benue, must learn to live in peace with one another, adding that no one has the right to displace any other tribes, whether in Benue or Taraba.

“I have met with my brother the governor of Taraba state, Darius Ishaku, and we have agreed that both Tiv and Jukun must learn to live together in peace and harmony.

“We have also agreed to fast track demarcation of boundary and once that is done, wherever you belong, you will have to pay respect to the authority in that place.

“I have recently seen a lot of media report from both sides but I want to call on Tiv and Jukun ethnic associations to shield their swords and allow peace to reign.

“We must not allow people to bring sentiments, because the two states have the constitutional rights to make laws. “In Benue state, everybody must respect the laws of the land,” he noted.

Earlier, chairman of the commission, Justice Wilfred Igba Kpochi, said based on the investigation they have done, both crisis were caused by either chieftaincy or land disputes.

He said one of their recommendations was that government should provide a layout and take charge of land matters in the two communities to end the crisis.

He said the people must be made to strictly follow the law on chieftaincy in installing their traditional rulers.

“We have also identified people who are behind the crisis and recommend that security should do further investigation and prosecute them,” he stated.