We’re partnering with security for return of IDPs – Ortom

Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom, said his administration has intensified collaboration with security forces through Operation Whirl Stroke to prevent further attacks on the people and ensure the return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
The governor, who made this known yesterday at his farm in Adaka, Makurdi local government area of the state, said 60 per cent of the displaced persons in the various camps are children within school age who have been denied access to education due to the activities of herdsmen.
The governor said herdsmen attacks have affected farming and academic activities in a number of local government areas of the state.
“Herdsmen have attacked more than 10 local government areas in the state and most schools in the areas were burnt down by the rampaging herdsmen.
“In the past six months, children in the IDPs camps have not gone to proper school, aside the emergency classes organised for them by the state government,” he added.
Ortom also said government was assessing the security situation in the affected communities of the state to determine when it would be safer for the IDPs to return to their homes.
The governor who also spoke on efforts made by state government in providing comfort to the IDPs, appreciated the services of nongovernmental organisations, churches and individuals, in supporting the state government to ensure victims of the crisis are given attention.
While emphasising that the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law would not be repealed, Governor Ortom predicted that just as June 12 has eventually been recognised, ranching shall soon be embraced nationwide.

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