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Tag: Ortom

  • Benue massacre: Ekweremadu commiserates with Ortom, residents

    The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has joined the government and people of Benue State to mourn the victims of the recent suspected herdsmen attacks as they were given a mass burial earlier on Thursday in Makurdi, the state capital.

    Residents of Makurdi came out in hundreds to mourn as bodies of the victims of the attacks of January 1 and 2 in parts of the state were buried.

    Government offices, commercial banks, markets and schools were closed in the state capital in observance of the work-free day earlier declared by the state government in honour of the victims.

    Mr. Ekweremadu who expressed sadness over the preventable loss of lives in Nigeria, reiterated his call for decentralised policing in the country.

    In a statement signed by his special adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, he said: “This is a black Thursday, not only for the people of Benue State, but also for the entire nation. My heartfelt condolences go to the government and people of Benue State as the victims of the suspected herdsmen attacks are committed to mother earth.

    “While I join fellow Nigerians to pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the victims and fortitude to those who lost their loved ones, let me reiterate that we must avert such future occurrences by urgently rethinking our security system.”

    The deputy Senate president called for a decentralisation of the country’s police system in order to enable every federating unit to take its fate in its own hand in effectively protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.

    “This is the primary object of government”, he said.

  • Benue massacre: Buhari, IGP ignored our calls for help – Ortom

    …as Benue State Government organises mass burial for victims today

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has accused President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police of not responding to distress calls and letters sent to them to help avert the looming danger that eventually claimed over sixty lives in the state on January 1 (New Year Day).

    Recall that over 50 persons were gunned down by unknown assailants that invaded five villages in Guma and Logo Local Governments on New Year day. Several others were injured while about 50,000 persons were displaced.

    The state government has however finalise plans to bury the victims on Thursday.

    The governor announced government’s decision to hold a mass burial for the deceased at a stakeholders meeting in Makurdi on Wednesday.

    The meeting focused on insecurity in the state and the way forward.

    Mr. Ortom, who called for prayers, said that the deceased would be remembered for sacrificing their lives to protect Benue farmlands.

    He appealed for calm during the burial, and cautioned Benue residents against reprisal attacks against anyone.

    Mr. Ortom vowed to ensure that the attackers were apprehended, and promised government’s support to the security agencies to actualise that.

    Mr. Ortom also said security agencies did not take proactive measures to protect the state against its aggressors after several complaints of planned attacks reported to them.

    “I saw the attacks coming and we wrote several letters of complaint to the police and complained to the presidency, yet nothing happened.

    “We called for the arrest of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) but nobody responded; we have facts that can be used against them.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, and top police officers including the DIG operations, Habila Joshak, two commissioners of police for Benue and Nasarawa states were in attendance.

    The governor expressed regret that after repeated complaints to the police and other security agencies in the country on the threats of attacks by MACBAN, nothing was done to secure lives and property in the state.

    “We called for the arrest of leaders of the association; we had evidence to support our claims but nobody paid heed to us.

    “We wrote to you IGP three times but received no response. We briefed the presidency yet to no avail,” he lamented.

    Mr. Ortom said the refusal of the security agencies to act and their lackadaisical attitude on the matter led to the mayhem of January 1.

    He wondered why open statements of intended aggression against the state on national television, radio stations by members of the association had not been investigated and arrests effected.

    He vowed to continue with the anti-open grazing law, stressing “there is no land in Benue for open grazing”.

    Mr. Ortom said he would not adopt the cattle colonies as suggested by the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh.

    He appealed to the IGP to immediately order for the arrest of leaders of MACBAN to give hope to the ordinary citizens that all people were equal before the law.

    The governor said that the herdsmen that attacked the state came from their bases in Nasarawa State and challenged the police to refute his claims.

    Responding, the IGP said he had not received such letters of complaints from the governor but promised to investigate the claims and fish out the aggressors.

    He said the police had deployed 663 police operatives and created 10 mobile units to deal with the insecurity in the state.

    Mr. Idris said the police would deploy helicopter surveillance to monitor the movement of such miscreants across the state and pledged to be diligent in discharging the presidential assignment.

    He explained that the situation was not yet beyond the capacity of the police, stressing “there is no need for the army to be invited”.

    Other speakers at the meeting include the Tor Tiv, James Ayatse, who called on the IGP to ensure the arrest of the aggressors.

    They rejected the suggestion for the establishment of cattle colonies in the state and affirmed their support for the implementation of the anti-open grazing law.

    They also called on the federal government to commence the process of establishing ranches across the country as a panacea to farmers/herders clashes.

    The high point of the meeting was the open apology by the IGP for describing the Benue killings as “communal clashes”, following insistence from participants.

    Mr. Idris also reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of the killings.

    The police boss said the meeting was geared toward finding lasting solution to the crisis that bedevilled some communities of the state.

    He said police would not rest until the perpetrators of the killings were arrested.

    He added that “I want to assure you that the police will not rest on its oars until these hoodlums are apprehended and brought to justice.

    “We are conducting investigation into the killings and will take appropriate action against perpetrators of the heinous crime.

    “I want to assure you that police have put in place security measures to checkmate activities of miscreants.”

    Mr. Idris also promised to take appropriate action against anyone carrying arms around.

    He enjoined the people to give the police actionable intelligence that would lead to further arrest of criminal elements.

    The police chief, who kicked against the clamour for deployment of the military, said they could only intervene when the police was overwhelmed.

  • Benue Govt denies arming militia group against herdsmen

    The Benue State Government has denied arming militia groups to defend the people against the marauding Fulani herdsmen in the state.

    There were reports that troops of 93 Battalion of the Nigerian Army stationed in Takum, Taraba State, have arrested nine well-armed militia from Benue, claiming to be members of government sponsored security volunteers.

    The armed gang were reportedly arrested at Arufu, a boundary town between Taraba and Benue States.

    Reacting to the report, Tever Akase, media aide to governor Ortom said the story was false and misleading.

    He called on the general public to disregard report.

    “We read a news report insinuating that some youths arrested by the military at Arufu, a town between Benue and Taraba States are armed militia sponsored by the Benue State Government to defend the territory of the State against invaders.

    “We wish to state categorically that the Benue State Government under Governor Samuel Ortom has not recruited any militia group and armed them since the Governor assumed office.

    “Governor Ortom is widely recognized for his disarmament policy which brought the amnesty programme leading to the recovery of about 700 arms and ammunition with over 800 youths laying down their weapons to embrace the programme across the State.

    “It is also on record that the present administration inherited the State Civilian Joint Task Force from the previous government but later proscribed it.

    “Following the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in Benue State last year, the Government set up Livestock Guards to help in implementation of the law. The Livestock Guards are not armed personnel. Their job is to ensure compliance with the regulation of ranches establishment and prohibition of open grazing of animals in the State.

  • Benue massacre: Ortom lied; killer herdsmen not camped in Nasarawa – Al-makura

    Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State on Tuesday refuted claims by his counterpart in Benue State, Samuel Ortom that killer herdsmen on a killing spree in the state (Benue) are camped in Nasarawa State.

    Ortom had after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Villa on Tuesday told State House correspondents that the killer herdsmen under the aegis of the Miyetti Allah cattle breeders are from neighbouring Nasarawa State.

    Ortom said the anti-open grazing law, which his administration signed into law last year had brought peace, until the herdsmen attacks.

    “And since we started the implementation, there has been relative peace among farmers and herdsmen; they were doing well until this militia coming from this Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, came and attacked us. And they are known, we know where they are. As I talk to you they are in Tongua in Awe local government that is where these people are camped and coming to attack people.” he added

    But Al-Makura swiftly denied the allegation, saying his state was not harbouring the killer-herdsmen.

    He said: “I’m really taken aback; this statement is most unfortunate. I will like to use this opportunity to say that there is nothing like that whatsoever. If anything, the Tonga that the governor is talking about in Awe Local Government is now the safe haven for displaced persons.

    “As I speak with you today, there are more than three IDP camps in Awe local government that quarters and caters for the number of people that have migrated from Benue to Nasarawa.

    “To be specific, they are more than 7,000 people that are camped in Tonga. So it’s very ironical that a place that is supposed to be an area that has become a safe haven for IDPs can now be called where militias are camped.

    “In that case, the militia don’t need to go as far as Benue. They have the prey within the vicinity of Tonga to attack. I think this is most unfortunate.” he said

    He added: “Yesterday, we held over seven hours of rigorous interfacing with seven governors, service chiefs and some ministers and all our security operatives within the states and around Benue, and my colleague could not tell me this, he could not approach me and give me an idea if there is anything that he saw or is worried about.

    “Besides, from all the discussions we had yesterday, there was no concrete security report stigmatising any part of Nasarawa State as habouring people that are coming to attack Benue.

    “I feel what should be of concern to us as leaders is the plight of the people and any of such statement that is inflammatory is likely going to cause more confusion to what is already there.

    “As it is, it is the implementation of the anti-grazing law in Benue that has caused the problem and now Nasarawa State is being infected by the problem notwithstanding that we are being our brothers’ keepers and good neigbhours.

    “I had to cut short my leave and come to find ways of helping my colleague. We have called all our security to meet to find ways and means of helping Benue and if all efforts we have done and with all the relief materials we have given and the protection to the IDPs that were created, that certain parts of Nasarawa State can now be stigmatised with this allegations is to say the least most unfortunate.”

    Al-Makura added: “We will still continue to render whatever assistance that we can give to the IDPs from Benue because we have some Tiv people that live in Nasarawa in virtually all the three or four local governments that share boundary with Benue State, we are duty bound as a responsible administration to cater for all.

    “And the Tonga he is talking about is a town within three states, that is Goa in Benue, Shanda, Ibi and there is River Benue besides them. So, anybody can fly through the River to go and attack in Benue. And don’t forget the obscurity of the wilderness and is very porous and anybody can move from any part to any place to attack any place.

    “So, as far as I am concerned, it is unfortunate there is nobody keeping anybody anywhere in Nasarawa State.”

  • Benue massacre: Buhari, Ortom hold close door meeting inside Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari and the governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, are currently meeting inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    This is the first time the two leaders will meet since the recent killings recorded in the state.

    The governor arrived the Presidential Villa at 10:50 am and was led straight to the President’s office.

    Details later…

  • Buhari, Ortom meets over Benue killings

    President Muhammadu Buhari and the governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, are currently meeting inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The governor reportedly arrived the Presidential Villa at 10:50am and was led straight to the President’s office.

    The two leaders are currently meeting for the first time since the recent killings recorded in Benue state.

  • Why I reconciled with Mark, Suswam – Ortom

    Why I reconciled with Mark, Suswam – Ortom

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Saturday said the incessant clashes and killings in the state by Fulani herdsmen has made it imperative for him to reconcile with his successor, Gabriel Suswam and former Senate President, David Mark.

    He further stated that he has decided to withdraw from all political activities pending when the attacks on Benue by Fulani herdsmen are over and normalcy return to every nook and cranny of the state.

    The governor who stated this during the emergency stakeholders meeting held at Government House, Makurdi, said that for the first time after his election in 2015, he had to pick his phone and put calls across to his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam and former Senate president David Mark to seek their input on how to solve this problem of herdsmen invasion of Benue communities.

    ”I saw this as a problem for all Benue sons and daughters that is beyond party line, which is why l decided to put every sentiment aside, reconciled with relevant stakeholders and sit with them to brainstorm with a view to finding a lasting solution to the crisis.”

    ”I cannot be a leader over dead people. 2019 is in God’s hand. This time, there is need for synergy, cooperation and unity among every Benue people across party lines. Therefore, I have reconciled with them, let them join me to push this fight away from Benue,” Ortom said.

  • Open Grazing Law: Some people are after my life – Ortom cries out

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Friday alleged threats to his life by those opposed to the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in the state.

    But he declared that he was unperturbed by such threats.

    Governor Ortom told a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Makurdi branch at Government House that the law has come to stay and no amount of intimidation would stop the implementation of the policy.

    He asked the people of the state to remain steadfast until impunity is defeated in Nigeria.

    He also stressed that no sacrifice is too big in the struggle to end the reign of terror by Fulani herdsmen in parts of Benue.

    Governor Ortom pleaded with all Benue sons and daughters to forget their political differences and unite to speak with one voice against invasion and occupation of their land which has left many people dead and property worth billions destroyed.

    The Governor expressed the hope that President Buhari would take further steps to stop the killing of innocent people and arrest those behind the genocide, especially leaders of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore who had threatened to resist the law.

    Governor Ortom, while appreciating the NBA for the consolatory visit, said he was happy that he had not done the wrong thing by enacting a law that seeks to protect his people, stressing that it was a global best practice and that he and President Muhammadu Buhari also practise ranching.

    Earlier, Chairman NBA Makurdi branch, Mr. Emmanuel Agbakor, said the gruesome killings violate the right to life of Benue citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

  • Don’t insult Priest, Catholic Church for not allowing me address congregation, Ortom begs supporters

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has appealed to supporters not to insult a Catholic priest, Fr. Ashwe and the church for not allowing him address the congregation at the Thanksgiving service to mark the 64th birthday of a former Governor of the state, Senator George Akume.

    The incident take place at St Christopher Catholic Church Wanune.

    Shorty after the homily, when the priest advised Senator Akume in his sermon, as the leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the governor pay workers’ salaries.

    After the sermon, Akume, at whose instance the mass was celebrated was allowed to speak, and he in turn invited the governor to react to the issue of non- payment of salaries which the priest raised in his sermon.

    Shortly after the Senator handed over the microphone to Governor Ortom, the priest informed the governor point blank that the doctrine of the Gboko Diocese of the Catholic Church does not allow politicians to speak in church after service except at reception venues.

    The governor simply complied even though there was uproar as worshippers who were mostly politicians hurriedly abandoned the service.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor later issued a statement to douse the tension between the Gboko Diocese and the governor among his supporters.

    The statement reads in part: “We have read various statements arising from the thanksgiving mass yesterday in honour of Senator George Akume at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area.

    “We wish to state that Governor Samuel Ortom understands and respects the decision of Gboko Catholic Diocese not to allow politicians to speak during masses and therefore would not have felt slighted when the Priest in Charge of the Wannune Parish did not permit him to speak during the mass in accordance with the decision of the Diocese.

    “We urge those amplifying the incident and making inflammatory statements for political reasons to sheathe their swords.”

  • Buhari’s bailout fund cannot clear salaries, pension arrears in Benue – Ortom

    …accuses NLC of blackmail

    …Says we inherited N69 billion salaries, Pension arrears

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s bail out fund to states (especially in Benue) cannot clear the backlog of salaries and pension arrears the new governors inherited from past governments in their various states.

    Ortom noted that specifically, he inherited arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuity of about N69 billion from past administrations.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress had earlier listed Benue State Government as the worst in salary and pension payment. The congress however told workers in the state to take their destinies in their hands by embarking on strike to get their entitlements from the state government.

    Ortom who spoke at a book launch in Abuja on Tuesday however berated the leadership of NLC for inciting workers in the state to go on strike.

    He also challenge the leaders of Labour to drag his government to the anti-corruption agencies in the country if they feel that he was not fair to Benue workers in the appropriation of the federal government bailout fund to drag his government to the anti-corruption agencies.

    He insisted that the leadership of Labour should do a comparative analysis of remuneration of Benue workers with other states, insisting that he is paying higher than any other state in the country.

    Governor Ortom said his government was open to dialogue, urging anybody with superior programs to tackle the issue to bring it on the dialogue table.

    “I believe that the discussion is still ongoing. We will still talk even though I feel that we should not be discussing our problems in the media. I have told them to bring the issues on the table because government is ready to put all the figures on the table to anyone to see.

    “It is part of our transparency and accountability. One thing I can assure you is that we have formed a process of working towards it. It is not enough for the leadership of the labour union to incite the workers to go on strike at the National level and Benue state.

    “For me, it is not the best way of unionism and taking care of workers. Benue State has a peculiar problem. We inherited a debt arrears of N69 billion of pension, gratuity and salaries.

    “Now, the intervention from the federal government called Paris Club or bailout as they call it even though it is a loan all together could not clear the N69 billion debt arrears. So, the challenge is still there and everybody knows about it.

    “The figures are on the table for everyone to see. For us, Benue is one of the States in the country paying the highest salary as at today I am talking to you. I challenge you to compare your note.

    “In other states where Permanent Secretaries are collecting N230, 000, we are paying N500, 000 because that is what we inherited. We believe in dialogue and discussion and if you have superior programs that can make things better for Benue people bring them on the table for discussion.

    “It is not just enough to go and incite people to go on strike to prove that that government is not paying. They should ask what has been the history. I challenge them to do analysis of what has been on ground.

    “The good thing is that none of the anti-corruption agency can indict us for misappropriation of bailout fund because we have been very transparent. That is where we are now,” he said.