President
Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, appealed to the government and people of Benue
State to exercise restraint in the aftermath of the recent attacks by Fulani
herdsmen, which claimed 73 lives. He assured that those behind the incident
will face the wrath of the law.
The
President, according to a State House release, spoke while receiving a
delegation of political leaders, traditional rulers and elders of the state at
the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The delegation was led by the governor,
Mr. Samuel Ortom,
According to
the statement, signed by Femi Adesina, Presidential spokesperson, President
Buhari commiserated with the families of the victims of the attacks and
promised that the government will make efforts to bring succor them.
He assured
that the perpetrators of the attacks and members of all illegal militias in the
state will not go unpunished. He also stated that relevant government agencies
have been directed to provide relief for those affected.
“Your
Excellency, the governor, and all the leaders here, I am appealing to you to
try to restrain your people. I assure you that the Police, the Department of
State Security and other security agencies have been directed to ensure that
all those behind the mayhem get punished. I ask you in the name of God to
accommodate your countrymen. You can also be assured that I am just as worried,
and concerned with the situation,’’ the President said.
President
Buhari told the delegation that his administration has started working on an
enduring solution to the perennial herdsmen/farmers’ conflict around the
country. He explained that the Inspector- General of Police was ordered to
relocate to the state to provide security for lives and properties. He called
on all Benue indigenes to have confidence in the security agencies and report
all suspicious cases of movements in the state.
Speaking at
the meeting, Ortom said tension in the state will abate if the intervention of
the Federal Government brings a lasting solution to the herdsmen attacks. He
assured that he will return to Benue State to rebuild the confidence of the
people.
The Tor-Tiv,
Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, told the President that has been in
mourning due to the incessant attacks. He called on the President to ensure
that a solution to the horror is found.
“We want you
to put an end to the gruesome situation,’’ the traditional ruler said.
In
attendance at the meeting were Benue State Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu;
former Senate President, David Mark; former Benue State governor, George Akume;
and Barnabas Gemade, a senator.
Others
included Mr. JK Waku, General Lawrence Onoja (retd.), Brig. Gen. John Atom
Kpera (retd.), former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of
Justice, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly,
Terkimbir Kyambe, other members of the state legislature and representatives of
the state at the National Assembly.
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