Buhari Sends Message to Ortom Over Fresh Benue Killings

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken out in response to the recent killings in Benue State, which reportedly involved herders and farmers from the affected community.
Last week, reports surfaced that suspected herdsmen attacked Yelwata in Benue State’s Guma Local Government Area (LGA) and killed scores of people.

The attackers were said to have stormed the community around 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday and fired at residents who were on their farms.

President Buhari condemned the event in a message to the State Governor, Samuel Ortom, and promised to fully support the state leader and the people of Benue with resources to investigate the latest herder-farmer killings.

Buhari said in a statement released on Saturday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, that while he has disagreed with the governor on several political issues, the gruesome killing of citizens in the state is unacceptable.

While expressing condolences to the families of those killed in the recent attack, Nigeria’s leader stated that politics must be set aside in order to bridge divides in the interests of all citizens.

He also expressed condolences to officers of the Nigeria Police Force and government officials killed in recent attacks in the state, saying the government will hold those responsible accountable.

“President Muhammadu Buhari and his entire administration condemn the recent attacks in Benue State,” the statement said. Nobody should attack another person because of their way of life. No one should seek vengeance on others for wrongs done to them. Both parties should be held accountable for their actions, and justice should be served.

“It is equally unacceptable to lose the lives of those who are simply carrying out their duties as police officers and government officials.” The government will hold those responsible for those deaths accountable.

“There have been numerous political disagreements between President Buhari and Governor Ortom of Benue State.” But, today, the President puts all of that aside to reach out to the Governor and express the nation’s heartfelt condolences for what has happened in recent days.

“The President pledges the Federal administration’s full support in providing resources to him, his State government, and the people of Benue to investigate what has occurred.” When tragedies like this occur, we must remember that we are all Nigerians first and foremost.

“All too often, politics gets in the way of what is best for our country.” It divides us far too often. We have a responsibility to remember that as those entrusted with leadership by our citizens, and to do everything we can to bridge divides and come together in the interests of all our people.”