By Sunday Iduh
Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Titus Uba has condemned the attack on Abagena Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Makurdi Local government Area of Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, describing it as uncivilised and barbaric.
Uba says he is horrified by the senseless attacks on people who have been forcibly evicted from their villages, fleeing violence perpetrated by armed herdsmen only to be stripped of safety again after they just found refuge elsewhere.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Wuese Orshi, in a statement said his principal strongly condemn the unprovoked attack on camps for internally displaced people. He stressed that such attacks threaten the unity of the country, since no sane leader will sit and watch his people being lynched daily in cold blood by a violent ethnic group that vows to continue to act contrary to the laws of the land.
“The speaker promised to continue to support any lawful move by Governor Samuel Ortom in permanently ending the senseless killing of innocent Benue farmers.
“While calling on the government of Nigeria to step up the protection of innocent people, Hon. Uba says his deepest condolence goes to the families of the victims of this attack and wish the injured a speedy recovery even as he prays God to give Governor Samuel Ortom more courage to continue to stand firm on the path of truth and press on the federal government to do the right thing for the benefit of people of the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Benue State House of Assembly has gone on recess following the Annual Calendar of Business adopted on 3 June, 2020 which makes provision for the House to go on recess on 29 April, 2021 and to reconvene on Tuesday, 3 June, 2021.
The Speaker, while adjourning the House said, it has become imperative to invoke the doctrine of necessity, in spite of the industrial dispute the legislature, judiciary and executive have over financial autonomy.
Uba advised all honourable members of the 9th Benue Assembly to continue living up to their civic responsibilities as the recess last and remain committed to delivering services that would justify the confidence reposed in them by their respective constituents.