Gov cautions Benue youths against reprisal

Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has cautioned youths in the state against taking the law into their hands over recent attacks on some rural communities.

“No one should take the law into his hands over the attacks; what we should all do is to report any breach of peace to the law enforcement agencies for necessary action,” Ortom said on Monday in Makurdi, during a stakeholders’ meeting.

He said that he had consistently briefed President Muhammadu Buhari about the activities of herdsmen in the state, and expressed optimism that permanent peace would soon return.

“I have intimated the president about the wanton killings and destruction of property in the state.

“We have taken some measures and I can assure you that in no distant time, there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” he told the stakeholders.

He said that security agents were on the trail of Terwase Agwaza, popularly known as “Ghana”, who has been accused of killing his aide, Denen Igbana.

“We hope to bring him and other criminals in Benue to justice; we shall not rest until we rid the state of all criminal elements,” he said.

He promised to execute projects that would create opportunities for Benue people, and revealed that the Federal Government would soon release more money to states.

“As soon as the money is released, we shall let you know and seek your input in our quest toward a better Benue,” he said.

NAN reports that nine local governments were hit last week, by the attackers that left scores dead, and many others injured.

As part of measures to end the clashes between herdsmen and farmers, Ortom recently sent an anti-grazing executive bill to the Benue House of Assembly.

The bill seeks to prohibit open grazing which is often blamed for the clashes between farmers and herdsmen, and replace it with cattle ranches, to curtail the movement of cattle.