Ortom reacts as hoodlums kill 10 travelling herdsmen in Benue

Suspected hoodlums have reportedly killed not fewer than 10 herdsmen who were travelling in Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa states along Lafia-Makurdi Highway. Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN’s) North-Central Zone confirmed the killing of its members. 

Chairman of the zone Danladi Chiroma said the incident occurred while the victims were travelling from their base in Awe, Nasarawa state on Saturday, April 7 evening to attend a naming ceremony in another location. 

Chiroma said the hoodlums pounced on the travellers while they were trying to repair a fault in their vehicle. Six bodies out of the 10 herdsmen killed were said to have been recovered and handed to the police. 

Reacting to the incident, state governor Samuel Ortom condemned the attacks on the innocent passengers by hoodlums near Yelwata. He said in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Terver Akase that such action were unacceptable. He also commended the police for swiftly arresting some of the suspected perpetrators of the wicked act for prosecution. 

The statement read in part: “Governor Ortom has urged the force and other security agencies to continue with the investigation in order to apprehend all those found culpable. 

“He has also called on those with useful information to assist security agents to arrest the culprits.

 “The governor has commiserated with families of the victims and prayed that God may console them. 

“Governor Ortom has stated that Benue is not at war and appeals to the people to restrain themselves from all lawless acts.” 

The governor further charged the police and other security agencies to continue with the investigation into the matter in order to apprehend all those found guilty. 

Governor Ortom told residents that Benue is not at war and warned people to avoid such lawless acts. 

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com recently reported that attorney general and commissioner of justice in Benue state Michael Gusa, said the law prohibiting open rearing and grazing of livestock, is meant to bring peace between farmers and herders in the state. 

Gusa made this statement during an exclusive interview with NAIJ.com in Makurdi, the Benue state capital recently. According to him, the law was also geared towards protecting the environment from open grazing. 


Source: Naij.com