Days after Benue killings, grieving Governor Ortom decides to meet political ‘enemy’ for solution

macfranc007 January 07, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Eromosele Ebhomele

- For the first time since 2015, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state finally put a call through to Gabriel Suswam and David Mark

- Ortom says he made the calls in an attempt to seek a solution to the killings of Benue people by suspected herdsmen

- He says says every Benue indigene has a role to play in the security crisis in his state

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state revealed on Saturday, January 6, how he has decided to settle political scores with his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam, as he continues to seek solution to the attacks and killings of his people by herdsmen.

He also contacted former Senate president, David Mark, over the security issue.

NAIJ.com earlier reported that Governor Samuel Ortom said he had decided to withdraw from all political activities until the incessant killings in the state as a result of attacks by Fulani herdsmen are over.

The Punch reports that Ortom spoke during the emergency stakeholders meeting held at Government House, Makurdi.

He said for the first time since his emergence in 2015, he decided to pick his phone and put calls across to his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam, and former Senate president David Mark just to seek their input on how to solve this problem of herdsmen invasion of Benue communities.

He said: “I saw this as a problem for all Benue sons and daughters that is beyond party line, which is why l decided to put every sentiment aside, reconciled with relevant stakeholders and sit with them to brainstorm with a view to finding a lasting solution to the crisis.”

”I cannot be a leader over dead people. 2019 is in God’s hand.

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“This time, there is need for synergy, cooperation and unity among every Benue people across party lines. Therefore, I have reconciled with them, let them join me to push this fight away from Benue.”

NAIJ.com earlier reported that a day after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, announced the deployment of additional five units of the mobile force, the special forces, aerial surveillance helicopters and special police joint intelligence and investigation teams to Benue and Rivers state respectively.

IGP Idris also placed commissioners of police and its personnel in the affected states on red-alert just as he has directed a 24-hour crime prevention and visibility patrols throughout the country.

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