Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has directed Fulani herdsmen to carry their AK-47 rifles and relocate to Bauchi if they won’t obey laws in his state.
Speaking in a press conference on Monday in Makurdi, the Benue governor urged herdsmen to respect the laws on the illegality of bearing unlicensed arms.
According to the Benue governor, it is illegal and unconstitutional for any individual, no matter the tribe to carry arms without approval from security agencies.
Ortom said: “Nigeria is not governed anyhow. It is governed by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. The constitution gives power to all our governors in all the states to preside over the land of their states on behalf of the people, and they’re the only people who can give allocation and can permit people to stay where they are. And so, bandits cannot find a forest and come in to hide under that forest.
“Benue state is governed by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. Benue state also has laws guiding them. Once you’re a Fulani man with legitimate papers, you are free to stay in Benue state and do business according to the laws of our land.
“Anyone who is not willing to respect the laws of our land should go and meet Bala Mohammed, and there you can carry AK-47, and you’ll not be apprehended. Here, when you come, we’ll apprehend you. I want this to be known.
“We are not against any tribe, especially the Fulani people, but rather against terrorists, killer herdsmen, bandits, kidnappers, and all types of criminals within the state.”
