How herdsmen displaced over 170,000 persons, kill 1,878 as at 2018 in Benue

By: King Apeh Peterhot

The Special Adviser to Benue State Governor on Information and Orientation, Hon. James Uloko on Friday in Abuja churned out statistics of victims of herdsmen attacks in Benue State as at 2018.

Hon. Uloko stated this Friday evening shortly after receiving the prestigious award of “The Defender of Benue Valley” conferred on his principal, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom by the ‘Ai-Idoma Pride Award’ group. The event was held at the banquet hall, Merit House, Maitama Abuja.

Hon. Uloko who represented governor Ortom at the event told the crowd that total casualties of the suspected Fulani herdsmen attacks recorded by the State government as at 2018 stood at 1,878 deaths, including 75 infants and pregnant women, while over 170,000 persons were displaced.

The governor’s aide, while declaring that he is not surprised at the way Benue people overwhelmingly voted Governor Samuel Ortom in the last election, said majority of Benue people saw Samuel Ortom as the only true defender of the Benue valley. He maintained that peace has relatively been restored to the State as a result of the tireless and determined efforts of Governor Ortom who put up laws prohibiting open grazing but permit ranches establishment.

“With such laws in place, everyone regardless of race or ethnicity, could embark on business of animal husbandry as long as such ventures are consistent with the laws of the state.” Uloko added

He urge opposition candidate challenging the victory of the governor to not waste his time, stressing that even if the case is taken to the International Court of Justice, Ortom’s victory is divinely sealed and sacrosanct in the eyes of the law.

Uloko thank organisers of the event for rewarding the governor’s efforts with such an honour, adding that such recognition would spur the governor to redouble his efforts in safeguarding lives and properties of his dear Benue people.

He call on all Benue sons and daughters to support the governor Samuel Ortom led administration’s effort to bring peace and true dividends of democracy to the State.

Other awardees at the event include the Benue born legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Paul Harris Ogbole; the Senator representing Benue South (Zone C) Senatorial District, Senator Abba Moro, ably represented; Chairman of AIM Global Nigeria and UK based Dakinda Football Academy, Emmanuel Akpakwu; Pastor Mrs. Ann Ali; educationist, Jude Okpe, amongst others.