Benue: Ortom reacts as Ugondo/Air Force land tussle worsens

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has said he has no hand in the land dispute between Ugondo community of Makurdi and Gwer East Local Government Areas and the Nigerian Airforce.

The Governor stresses that he has not at any time taken land belonging to the people of Ugondo and handed to Nigerian Airforce.

He says the issue of land conflict between the Nigerian Airforce and Ugondo began long before he became Governor of the State.

Governor Ortom states that he only attempted to amicably resolve the matter by holding series of peace meetings with stakeholders in the dispute, but when the matter was taken to court, he called the leaders, elders and chiefs and told them that he had withdrawn from the negotiation.

The Governor says as a law abiding person, the moment the people of Ugondo decided to handle the issue through legal means, he made no further mediation, and therefore wonders why he is still being accused of grabbing the land and given it to Nigerian Airforce.

He emphasizes that even while he was mediating in the land dispute, he only appealed for a peaceful resolution of the matter and at no time imposed his opinion on the two parties.

Governor Ortom reaffirms his commitment to fairness, equity and justice in running affairs of the State and once more appreciates Benue people for the support given him to succeed.