Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has insinuated that President Muhammadu Buhari ignored his invitation to Benue after the killing of 73 people by suspected herdsmen in the state. Ortom said he had invited the president to come to Benue and condole with the people over the killings and destruction of their property.
“We invited the president when we visited him in Abuja; that he should come to Benue state and extend his condolences to his people,” he said during a television programme. ”Because we are members of the party, he is our president. If these people are attacking us, we expect him to give us security.
“He has done a number of things. He directed NEMA to provide relief materials, he also asked for security to be beefed up but I am not satisfied with what the presidency is doing on this matter. There is no doubt about that.
“I ask for justice for Benue people because we have not been treated fairly… These herdsmen militia even killed policemen. The herdmen have gone beyond grazing. It’s about taking over our lands. For now, my primary concern is to stop these killings; to ensure that the Internally Displaced Persons go back to their homes and live peacefully. Once that is done, we can talk about other things.
“I don’t care about what happens tomorrow. Even if I am not governor, I can stay back and fight for the right of my people. The governor further said herdsmen attacks on Benue were acts of vengeance for losing the 1804 Jihad.
