The Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom has again indicted the Presidency, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris over the recurring killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Benue state. Ortom who appeared before the joint Senate Committees on Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence investigating the development in the state produced copies of the letters he had written to the President, Vice President and Security Chiefs before and after the attacks.
He lamented that none of the letters was responded to, stressing that if relevant authorities had acted swiftly, hundreds of lives would have been saved. According to him;
“Over 100 people killed in Benue would not have died if security agencies were responsive. None of the letters (to the Presidency) was replied,” he stated.
“The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, attributed the Benue killings to blockade of grazing routes and implementation of ranching law. His position is misleading and dishonest. We hope that his position is not that of the Federal Government,” he said.
He accused the IGP of refusing to obey the orders of the President who had directed him to relocate to Benue noting that he preferred instead to go to Nasarawa state. He further berated the IGP for allowing the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Mosood to remain in office after insulting him on a national television.
“His PRO (Jimoh Moshood) insulted me on a public television programme that ‘the Governor of Benue State is a drowning man.’ IGP has not apologised and has not removed the FPRO. Miyetti Allah Cattle Herders Association boldly announced, ‘Expect more blood to flow in Benue State,’ and more blood is flowing, yet the IGP has not arrested or questioned them.
Nigerians clearly know the side the IGP stands on. He is not on the side of justice and should resign.”
