The Governor of Benue State, Mr. Samuel Ortom, is facing backlash and calls for investigation after he made a controversial statement linking the renewed attacks on Benue communities to his senatorial loss.

The renewed attacks on Benue communities have claimed the lives of dozens of people in recent weeks, with thousands displaced from their homes. The violence has been attributed to armed groups, including herdsmen and criminal gangs, who have been operating in the state for years.

During an interview on Arise TV, Governor Ortom claimed that the renewed attacks on Benue communities were coming because he lost his senatorial election and that the Fulanis have taken over the land. The statement has since sparked widespread condemnation from various individuals and groups across the state.

Many people have expressed disappointment in the governor's remarks, with some calling for him to retract his statement. Others have gone further, calling for an investigation into the possibility of the governor's involvement in the attacks.

The statement has raised concerns about the governor's conduct, especially as the security situation in the state has worsened in recent times. It is noteworthy that Benue State has experienced several attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the past, resulting in the loss of lives and properties.

In response to the outcry, the governor's office issued a statement clarifying that Governor Ortom did not intend to link the attacks to his senatorial loss or the poor performance of the Benue PDP at the polls. However, the statement did not assuage the concerns of those who had already called for an investigation.

The Benue State Government has also been accused of not doing enough to address the insecurity in the state. Many have called for the government to take decisive action to protect the lives and properties of the citizens.

Governor Ortom's statement has caused a lot of concern among the populace, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the attacks and the governor's possible involvement. The security situation in Benue State remains a matter of concern, and it is imperative that the government take decisive action to address the issue.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the recent wave of attacks in Benue State, promising that the attackers must be found and dealt with swiftly under the law.

The president's statement comes after the killing of 46 people, including the son of Otukpo Local Government Area Chairman Bako Eje, in Umogidi village of Entekpa-Adoka district, and an attack on IDP camps at Agan, within the state capital, yesterday.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, President Buhari condemned the use of terrorism as a tool in inter-communal conflicts and directed the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and military commanders to enhance surveillance and immediately review the security management in the affected areas.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those murdered." "The entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil," the President was quoted as saying, conveying his grief and sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives due to the attacks.

The recent attacks have raised concerns about the security situation in Benue State, which has experienced several attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the past, resulting in the loss of lives and properties. Many have called for decisive action by the government to protect the lives and properties of citizens.

The attack on the IDP camps at Agan in Makurdi resulted in many deaths, adding to the already high death toll from recent attacks. The killing of 46 people in Umogidi village, Entekpa-Adoka district, has also been condemned by many, with some calling for a thorough investigation into the attacks and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

President Buhari's assurance that the attackers must be found and dealt with swiftly under the law is a welcome development. However, more needs to be done to address the security situation in Benue State and prevent further loss of lives and properties.

Angula Bishop Reuben writes from Makurdi.

😂 😝 thank God he never blame Ayu and Atiku Abubakar this time around.

Nigeria politics.... nothing will ever surprise me in this government anymore....

People just like overblowing issues. How can Ortom be behind these incessant attacks when he is the acclaimed defender of the Benue valley?

By the time this man leaves office, a lot of things will be brought to the fore. I rest my case for now, let's see what happens in the next 3 months.

DanAugust2021:
By the time this man leaves office, a lot of things will be brought to the fore. I rest my case for now, let's see what happens in the next 3 months.

Ortom has been using the mentality of Benue people for ping-pong

The statement was reckless
He should be made to answer to dss

Buhari is the #1 person to blame for the killing in Benue and other parts of the country. The gun men are following his body language. Is it a surprise that killings resumed after the election where Ortom was rigged out?

naijaking1:
Buhari is the #1 person to blame for the killing in Benue and other parts of the country. The gun men are following his body language. Is it a surprise that killings resumed after the election where Ortom was rigged out?

Ortom rigged out? Ignorance na bad thing, especially when you dey expose am for public. Ortom was beaten black and blue. His anointed candidate couldn't get up to half of the no of votes Fr Alia got in the governorship election.

APC is a party of propaganda and lies.

Nigerians should not be distracted, we must remain focused in restoring the stolen mandate.