Herdsmen Killings: Dan-Ali Knows Those Killing Benue People - Gov. Ortom Speaks Out

Posted by Odinaka on Wed 31st Jan, 2018 - tori.ng

The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has once again spoken out on the incessant killings of his people by suspected herdsmen, saying that the Minister of Defence knows them.

File photo

While speaking in an exclusive interview with DailyPost, the Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Terver Akase, said that the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, knows the killer herdsmen behind the killings and destruction of property going on in different parts of the state.

Asked if the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has really responded well to the security issues, the aide unbehalf of the governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, said all the state is asking for is the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the massacre.

He further called for the arrest of the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

“All we are asking the Federal Government is for the perpetrators of the killings to be arrested and prosecuted according to the law," he said.

“Since after the mass burial of 73 people in Makurdi, we have recorded nine isolated killings in different parts of the state. There have not been mass killings but we want the government to do more.

“The Minister of Defence should arrest killers because he knows them. He has come out openly to justify the killings by Fulani herdsmen and has defended their criminal activities.

“He knows where they are but what we don’t know is why they are finding it difficult arresting and prosecution the herdsmen even when they have claimed responsibility to the killings. We call on the government to arrest the Secretary and President of MACBAN.”

The Governor also reiterated his vow not to speak or get involved in politics for himself or President Buhari until justice is done and killer herdsmen brought to book.

He added, ”As I have stated earlier, Governor Samuel Ortom has suspended any form of campaign and won’t speak or participate in politics until situation of things in the state is brought to normal.”