Benue: We are abandoned in our trying moments – Ortom

By Gwabo Gwaza Godwin & MC Zege

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has decried that the Federal Government and some leaders of the country have neglected people of the state during difficult moments.

Governor Ortom spoke Thursday, October 20, 2022 when he received the Labour Party, LP, Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi who visited the Daudu 1 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Guma Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Obi was in the state to commiserate with the victims of Fulani herdsmen attacks as well as the recent flood disaster which ravaged parts of the state.
The Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Tivlumun Nyitse pointed out that some politicians have refused to identify with the Benue humanitarian challenge because of political differences.

He maintained that it was the right time for Benue people to know those who are genuinely standing with them in their challenging situation, noting that such solidarity must be appreciated.
Reiterating his stance, the Governor insisted that the Federal Government is handling the situation of unprovoked killings of innocent Benue people by armed Fulani herdsmen with levity.
While appreciating Mr Obi for the sympathy visit, Governor Ortom said it was a demonstration of his strength of character and compassion for fellow citizens, if entrusted with the mandate to lead the country.

Governor Ortom further acknowledged that even though he and Mr Obi belonged to different political parties, it was good to acknowledge those who have chosen to be patriotic citizens and have shown it irrespective of partisanship.
The LP Presidential candidate, Mr Obi in his remarks, commiserated with the Government and people of Benue over the huge humanitarian challenge the IDPs and flood victims were facing and pledged his support at all times.

He berated the Federal Government for turning its back on the people of Benue State during their trying times, saying it was a show of incompetence.
He called on the Federal Government to rise up and put a stop to the insecurity challenge bedeviling the country, lamenting that the Federal has failed citizens.

Mr Obi wondered why people would have to blame the Benue State Government for non-payment of salaries when the State is facing the challenges of catering for over two million IDPs and flood victims.
He enjoined public spirited individuals to come to the aid of Benue State in order to alleviate the humanitarian situation the state was facing.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Emmanuel Shior had welcomed Mr Obi on behalf of the IDPs, Cameroonian refugees and the flood victims in the state.

The SEMA Executive Secretary explained that over 5,000 persons have been killed, homes, schools, markets, churches as well as health centres destroyed with over two million IDPs taking shelter in seven official and eleven unofficial camps and host communities across the state.

Dr Shior reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Ortom’s administration to continue to strengthen, support, and enforce all measures in curtailing the situation and caring for the victims.
Photo credit: Amedu Michael Obiabo