Governor calls for state of emergency to be declared in Benue

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has called for a state of emergency to be declared in Benue state.

Wike made this call while speaking to members of the University of Port Harcourt Governing Council in the Rivers Government House on Thursday, March 23, 2017.

The Governor also accused his Benue counterpart, Samuel Ortom of fuelling violence in the country, adding that it has now consumed his state.

Wike said Ortom has lost control of the state, adding that he does not have the capacity to protect the lives of Benue people.

The Governor also said “Benue governor has lost control. That is why there is an immediate need to declare a state of emergency for the restoration of security and protection of the people.

“If you are from Benue State, I apologise. But when Rivers State had security challenges, Governor Ortom of Benue State was among the APC governors, who plotted the declaration of a state of emergency in the state (Rivers).

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“When the problem of insecurity started here in Rivers State, instead of joining hands to proffer solutions, they politicised it.

“Unless all those at the forefront of the plot against the state repent, this insecurity will visit them one after the other.”

According to the Benue state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Moses Yanmu17 persons were killed while 11 others were wounded by gunmen who attacked Zaki-Biam recently.