Ortom confirms 20 dead
by Ameh Comrade Godwin,
Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has confirmed at least 20 people dead after suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked communities in Guma and Logo local government areas of the state between Monday and Tuesday.
Ortom disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Makurdi after the State Security Meeting.
He said that out of the number of those killed, nine were livestock guards who were to enforce the state’s anti-open grazing law.
#StopTheKillingsInBenue2018 by the blood thirsty Fulani herdsmen now. @hrw @amnesty @UNHumanRights @ProfOsinbajo @nassnigeria @PaulTArkwright @AmbSymington @EveryNigerian @AishaYesufu @transparencITng pic.twitter.com/kl5NujpWBF
— Zaki Yan’kyaa (@LobiNews) January 2, 2018
He said that the law was not targeted at any ethnic group and wondered why the herdsmen had taken it so personal to the point of unleashing terror on the people.
He said that no matter the intimidation and killings by the herdsmen, the law would not be reversed or repealed.
The governor assured that the law must be implemented to the latter and anybody or group of persons that flouts it would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Mr. Ortom called on the Federal Government to wade into the matter so as to avert further destruction of lives and property.
Gajir Tsoho of the Surgical Department, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, said over 30 injured victims of the herdsmen attack were brought to the hospital and were receiving treatment.