Benue: Gwer East delegation to visit Obasanjo over farm fire incident

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has approved a request by the people of Gwer East local government area to visit former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo over the fire inferno that gutted his Mango Orchard in the area.

Governor Ortom gave his nod to the request following an appeal by the people of Gwer East led by Ter Gwer, Chief Dominic Akpe on the need for them to visit the former President to commiserate with him and register their displeasure over the burning of his Mango Orchard by yet-to-be-identified persons.

The Governor said the decision to visit Chief Obasanjo was apt, saying it will afford the people the opportunity to ask for forgiveness from the former President and plead with him not to relocate the farm.

He condemned the burning of the orchard farm in its entirety, pointing out that if not for anything, the people should have respect for Chief Obasanjo whose decision has attracted development and created jobs for people of the area.

According to the Governor, at the request of the former President, electricity had already been extended to the area where the farm is situated, stressing that a Mango Juice Processing Factory is to be cited in the area as well.

Governor Ortom said he had already appealed and gotten the approval of the former President to give the people of the area another chance.

While congratulating Masev Development Association for successfully electing new leadership, Governor Ortom explained that when groups and associations conduct elections peacefully, the government is also happy.

He pledged his administration’s readiness to continue to work with such groups for the development of the state and society in general.

Ter Gwer, Chief Dominic Akpe who expressed their disapproval over the incident said several arrests have been made, stressing that they will not spare anyone found guilty.

Chief Akpe who acknowledged the support of the Governor to the people of Masev through appointments and execution of projects said they were also at the Benue Peoples House to present new leadership of Masev Development Association to the Governor.