Benue: Ortom suspends traditional ruler, illegal groups over murder of widow

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has ordered the suspension of a traditional chief, Ortar Agwa Mnyange Kwahar in Buruku Local Government Area of the state.

Also, the governor directed the suspension of all youth groups and any of their activities in Yemakem.

The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Ngunan Adingi stated this in a statement she issued and made available to newsmen on Saturday.

Mrs Adingi said that the suspension of the chief followed the crisis in Mbatyough Council Ward, Mbagen in the council area which led to the burning down of a widow, Mrs Shaade Nyihemba.

The widow who was a nurse by profession, according to an earlier report was burnt down when some arsonists set her house on fire a few weeks ago and her death raised suspicion among residents in the community.

The Information Commissioner noted that governor Samuel Ortom who on Friday held a meeting with the traditional rulers and elders from the area among them are; the Tor Jemgbagh, HRH Chief Afatyo Ajoko, Ter Buruku HRH Moses Hanior and Mue Ter HRH Tivfa Addingi directed the suspension of the traditional chiefs to pave the way for investigation into his (the chief) role in the crisis in his domain.

The statement read, “Governor Ortom condemned the gruesome manner that a widow, Mrs Shaade Nyihemba was murdered by unknown criminals and ordered that full investigation be carried out by the Police and DSS to find out those behind the dastardly act for prosecution.

“The Governor directed that Zaki Ortar Agwa Mnyange Kwahar be suspended according to Section 30 of the Benue State Chieftaincy Law, to pave way for investigation into his role in the crisis at Mbatyough, Mbagen Council Ward when he should be promoting peace.

“All activities of Yamakem youth association were also suspended indefinitely,” the statement added.

Governor Ortom, according to the statement said that police personnel at the donated police station in Diwa, Mbatyough Council Ward would be withdrawn to base immediately and the police station shut down until proper documentation is completed.

The governor, however, warned against the floating parallel vigilante groups in the council wards and emphasized that anyone found hosting such groups would be sanctioned.

Ortom warned Benue Livestock Guards to restrict their operations within the mandate of the outfit which is primarily about preventing open grazing and rustling of animals.

He warned that any member of the Livestock Guards found operating outside the stipulated mandate would be expelled from the organization.

The governor said that traditional rulers are to promote peace and security meetings in their domains to settle communal disputes.

Ortom encouraged people of the state, particularly, youths to shun acts inimical to peace and support the government to guarantee the safety of lives and property while providing development to the state.