Ortom raises alarm over influx of herdsmen into Benue

 

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state Wednesday raised fresh alarm over influx of herdsmen with large herds of cattle into some local government areas of the state.

Ortom who was speaking when state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Akpen Leva led members of the association to a courtesy call on him at Government House,  Makurdi, said the invaders also shot at a vehicle belonging to the Livestock Guards, and destroyed the  tyres of the vehicle.

He said reports reaching him currently indicated that the herders were so far occupying six local government areas including Agatu, Makurdi, Kwande, Logo, Guma and Katsina-Ala local government areas.

Ortom stated that  the recent influx of the marauders into the state may be as a result of the recent news about the withdrawal of troops of Operation Whirl-Stroke (OPWS) from the state.

“Since that news of withdrawal of the OPWS went public , the herdsmen have started flooding the state.

“The herdsmen have come in their numbers with sophisticated weapons. Even my farm that is located right in Makurdi, the state capital last weekend was attacked and Livestock Guards vehicle was shot at severally and tyres deflated before they ran away.

“Today, as I still talk to you, they are occupying many parts of the state including Agatu, Makurdi, Kwande, Logo, Guma and Katsina-Ala with sophisticated weapons.”

Ortom lamented ongoing killings across the country and blamed it on inability of leaders to rise up to their responsibilities.

He condemned the killing of chairman of the CAN in Michika, Adamawa state urging security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

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