Benue news

Fulani Herdsmen: Ortom reveals shocking amount Benue lost to attacks

The executive Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has revealed that over N400 billion worth of properties have been lost to attacks perpetrated by militia herdsmen in the State.

Governor Ortom made the disclosure while featuring on Radio Link, a Radio Nigeria audience participatory programme where he interacted with Nigerians on the achievements and challenges of his administration in the past three years.

He noted that the estimate was arrived at following preliminary report of assessment of damages caused by the crisis, stressing that the loss was much and difficult to recover from.

Ortom said the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state was the peoples legislation and that no amount of intimidation or blackmail would make them repeal it, noting that he has no regret whatsoever concerning the enactment and implementation of the law.

“I have no regret. Why should I have any regret doing the will of my people? They trusted me and gave me their votes and I will not betray what they want. I am doing what they want and I have no regret,” he stated.

Ortom commended the Governor of Taraba and Abia State for keying into the ranching law, saying it was the right way to go as he also called on Nigerians with a better alternative to bring it on the table to find a lasting solution to farmers and herdsmen crisis in the country.

The Governor challenged the Defence Minister, Dan-Masur Ali to come out and tell Nigerians why there were killings in Zamfara, his home state and other states of Nigeria like Kaduna among others where there was no anti-open grazing law, saying he was waiting for the minister to come out and apologise to Nigerians on his comments.

“The Benue Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law originated from the people and no one will intimidate us to repeal it. What the Defence Minister is doing is encouraging anarchy and I am waiting for him to come out and apologise to Nigerians and Benue state in particular concerning his recent outburst against our law. Killings are going on in his home state, Zamfara, Kaduna and other states where there is no prohibition of open grazing. What can he say is responsible for those killings?” he added

Ben Idah

Recent Posts

Probe panel: Ortom defeats Benue state govt at appeal court

The Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, on Thursday set aside the ruling of the Benue…

12 hours ago

Police take action over murder of lawyer Mark Ofikwu in Otukpo

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the tragic killing of prominent Otukpo-based lawyer and…

13 hours ago

BREAKING: Reps reject bill proposing six-year single tenure for president, governors

A bill proposing a six-year single term for the office of the president and state…

14 hours ago

BREAKING: Senate approves Tinubu’s ₦1.77 Trillion loan request to address 2024 Budget deficit

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2b) loan request following a voice…

15 hours ago

Finland arrests Simon Ekpa, four others over terrorism financing

Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, and four others have been arrested in Finland for involvement…

15 hours ago

BREAKING: Biafra: Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, and four other persons have been arrested in Finland over…

15 hours ago