By Sunday Iduh
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has condemned the renewed attacks by Fulani herdsmen on farmers in the state.
The governor, who spoke Sunday at NKST Church, Iortyer in Makurdi, during a thanksgiving service in his honour and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Benue State chapter, Rev. Akpen Leva disclosed that three of his kinsmen were killed by armed herdsmen on Saturday. He alleged that the herdsmen are being supported by the Federal Government to perpetrate the evil in Benue.
Governor Ortom noted that, “the Anti Open Grazing Law of the state was formulated, following wide consultations from critical stakeholders. It was not meant to witch hunt any ethnic group but address the issue of farmers and herders.
“I am committed to defending the people. No form of intimidation will deter me from standing by the truth.
“About seven (7) attempts have been made on my life, due to my firm stance against invaders and calls from the Federal Government for me to join their party, in order to enjoy benefits from the APC led government.”
He reiterated his resolve not to betray the people of the state on account of benefits and called on Benue youths to rise up and defend the state from external invaders who are on a mission to conquer the land.
The governor maintained that the federal government has denied the state financial benefits which it has been giving to other states.
Governor Ortom pointed out that his administration is taking steps to address the challenges of pension, stating that Benue has been able to save up to five billion naira with the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and disclosed that the moment it reaches threshold of 10 billion, the state would be able to access its fund to clear up pension arrears.
He revealed that his government remains one of the most transparent in the country. “Several anti-graft agencies have probed this administration without any evidence of misappropriation,” he stated.