By Matthew Ajai-Kume
Governor Samuel Ortom has lamented that armed Fulani herdsmen are still killing Benue people through guerrilla attacks, even though there is relative peace in the state, due to the commitment of security agencies.
The Benue State Governor made this known Monday when he played host to Regional Representative of United Nations Humanitarian Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr Rojo Hulues at the Conference Hall, New Banquet Hall, Benue People’s House, Makurdi.
Governor Ortom while appealing to the Federal Government to ban the influx of foreign herdsmen in the Nigeria, appealed for assistance in curbing the trend, in order for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to go back to their ancestral homes.
He said, most of the armed Fulani herdsmen terrorising Benue State are foreigners who came into the country without documentation, while he called on the FG and particularly the security agencies to work hard to curtail the illegal act.
Governor Ortom applauded the UNHCR for its humanitarian assistance to the IDPs in the state from 2017 through 2019.
Governor Ortom assured the UNHCR of his administration’s readiness to ensure that refugees in the state live in peace and a conducive environment, even as he warned trouble makers to keep off the refugees camp at Ikyogen, Kwande Local Government, adding that anyone found inciting crises within the camp shall be arrested and prosecuted.
Earlier, the Regional Representative, UNHCR, Rojo Hulues, appreciated Governor Ortom for his support, accommodation and provision of security to the Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria and particularly in Benue State, describing the feat as monumental.
Mr Hulues appealed to the Governor to provide adequate security to prevent sexual harassment of female refugees as well as medical and other health facilities to the camp.
He assured the Governor of the commitment of the Commission to collaborate with the Benue State Government to provide succour to the less privileged and the protection of lives.
