HERDSMEN KILLINGS, A NATIONAL CHALLENGE THAT REQUIRES COLLECTIVE EFFORTS - ORTOM

Governor Samuel Ortom says the killings perpetrated by
armed herdsmen in the country is a national challenge
that requires drastic measures to tackle.
Governor Ortom stated this today at the Benue Peoples
House Makurdi during a condolence visit on him by the
leadership and members of the Arewa Consultative
Forum, ACF.
He faulted those linking the Benue killings to the
implementation of Open Grazing Prohibition and
Ranches Establishment Law, stressing that the activities of
armed herdsmen predates the law and several states are
affected in the country.
The Governor while describing the law as a child of
necessity promulgated to address disputes between
herders and farmers in the state, appreciated the ACF for
identifying with him and people of the state over the
recent massacre.
The Governor also thanked President Muhammadu
Buhari for the deployment of more troops and
relocation of the Inspector General of Police to Benue,
adding that the President had also directed NEMA to
provide relief materials to the displaced persons.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Senator John Shagaya,
said their mission to the state was to console Governor
Ortom and people of the state over the unfortunate
killings, describing the act as wicked, barbaric and
callous.
He said ACF was pained that human lives were wasted
with such impunity, even as it commended the
government and people of Benue for their calmness and
maintenance of law and order in the face of
provocations.
He encouraged Governor Ortom to continue with his
constructive engagement with the federal government,
northern governors forum, security agencies and other
stakeholders in finding a lasting solution to the menace.
CREDIT:Jimin Geoffrey