Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has revealed that more than 560 people were killed by Fulani herdsmen, while half of Gwer West, Makurdi, Guma, Logo, and Kwande local government areas have been sacked by the attackers since January 2018.
The governor, who disclosed this at the residence of Senator Iyorchia Ayu in Gboko during a meeting with Jemgbah People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders, said that the attacks on several communities across the state were beyond grazing but rather the continuation of the 1804 conquest and the occupation agenda of jihadists.
He said that the attackers have unfortunately found collaborators in some of the leaders of the state, who have vowed to remove him from office by all means.
While soliciting the support of the people for his re-election bid in 2019, Ortom stated that his first tenure was characterized by several challenges such as lack of funds, natural disasters, and insecurity, which he was gradually overcoming.
He maintained that, in spite of the challenges, he had recorded milestones in health, agriculture, education, and rural development, adding that he would do more if re-elected.
He appealed to other aspirants to eschew violence as they solicit the mandate of the people, pointing out that peace should be the ultimate desire of everyone.
