Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has expressed confidence in the current security measures by the Federal and State Governments to prevent further clashes between herders and farmers in Agatu and other parts of the state.
Governor Ortom who spoke shortly after he met with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai who was in Benue State inl continuation of ongoing efforts to end the crisis, said surveillance by military and mobile policemen had intensified in the areas affected by the crisis.
He said the Chief of Army Staff had assured him that more troops will be deployed to the state to complement the ones already on ground, if the need arises, disclosing that security had also been beefed up in the waterways within and around the state.
Governor Ortom commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the prompt intervention to bring an end to the killings, describing the invasion of the state by herdsmen as unwarranted.
“Mr President has proven that he is the father to all with his quick approval for the deployment of more troops to Agatu and other areas affected by the crisis. The killing of our people by herders is unjustifiable and I expect every Nigerian to rise in condemnation of this act,” he stated.
He said farming remains the main occupation of the people of the state which has earned it the status of Food Basket of the Nation, stressing that anything capable of depriving the people of their farm lands must be condemned by all Nigerians.
Governor Ortom advised the people of Benue not to take the law into their hands, remain peaceful and report trespasses on their land to security agencies.
In the meantime, the Benue State Government has, through the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, sent additional relief materials and medical assistance to the camps of persons displaced by the crisis.
[Benue.info]
