60 People Killed In Benue After Mass Burial: Samuel Ortom

At least 60 people have been killed by Fulani herdsmen in Benue since the mass burial of the Benue 73 on January 11 this year.

This was revealed by the Governor of the state, Samuel Ortom as he hosted some Benue born musicians led by Zaaki Azzay at the Government house in Makurdi on Thursday. He added that amongst those killed are policemen and officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSDC).

He lamented that rather than the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris taking proactive measures to bring the killings to an end, he had decided to take sides. Ortom noted that the IGP’s relocation to Benue at the height of the attacks further heightened tensions as the invading herdsmen became more daring in their attacks, killing even security operatives; and that he (IGP) refused to arrest anyone.

“The IGP has failed us but we are grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for sending the Army to come and perform ‘Operation Cat Race’ in Benue. We hope that the Cat will be able to catch all the rats.

“All we are asking for is justice because in a situation where you favour a particular section and bias in your judgement against the other is not fair. That is why we are asking the IGP to resign his appointment to give way to another person who can perform better.

“That was why we decided to put an end to these wanton killings by enacting the law. The law emanated from the Benue people and they own it. The law protects everyone residing in Benue including the Fulani. But staying in Benue, you must obey the laws of the land. We are not intimidated by the killings but all we ask for is let there be justice,” he said.