The presidency says President Muhammadu Buhari is not to be
blamed for the spate of killings in Benue state.
Two weeks ago, not less than 30 persons including a pregnant
woman were reported dead after gunmen attacked an internally displaced persons
(IDP) camp in Guma LGA of the state.
The killing came a few days after an unconfirmed number of
persons were killed in an attack by gunmen in Umogidi village of Entekpa-Adoka
district, Otukpo LGA.
In March, it was reported that no fewer than 50 persons were
allegedly killed by suspected herders who invaded communities in Kwande LGA of the
state.
The spate of killings triggered protests in the state by
angry youths who mounted roadblocks demanding an end to the growing panic from
residents of the state over the insecurity.
‘DON’T FAULT BUHARI,
BLAME ORTOM’
In a statement on Wednesday, Garba Shehu, presidential
spokesperson, described Samuel Ortom, Benue governor, as “incompetent” in the
face of rising insecurity in his state.
“Fortunately, the
people of Benue State know the truth. After all, it is they who have suffered
under Ortom’s “leadership” – if one can call it such,” Shehu said.
“It is they who have experienced first-hand the mass
killings, the torture, the litany of atrocities as Benue’s security situation
plummeted ever further. It is they who buried their loved ones while watching
their careless, irresponsible and incompetent governor politicise on those
freshly dug graves.
“And it is they who turned to the last privilege they had
left: their democratic privilege, to resoundingly kick out Ortom and his
so-called People’s Democratic Party in favour of a new governor, Reverend
Father Hyacinth Iornem Alia from Buhari’s party, the APC.”
Shehu said Buhari had taken steps to address the
deteriorating situation in Benue but his efforts were blatantly obstructed by
Ortom.
He said the federal government also established and funded a
joint security operation, code-named Operation Whirl Stroke (OWS).
However, he said Ortom was unwilling to engage with the
project and accused the governor of endangering the security operatives with
“fake news and disinformation campaigns”.
Shehu said there was also a “deployment of special security
forces to flash-points in the state” including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air
Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services and
other security agencies.
“The deployment of an array of NAF fighter aircraft, Mi-35
helicopter gunships as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
platforms,” he added.
“The Deployment of
ten (10) Units of the Police Mobile Force, Ten (10) Units of Police Special
Forces (Tactical Operation Units) and Aerial Surveillance Teams (Police
Helicopters).
“The acquisition and deployment of modern military
armaments. The provision of timely and actionable intelligence to Ortom (which
were routinely ignored).
“The prompt provision
of humanitarian support to victims via the ministry of humanitarian affairs,
disaster management and social development.
“Despite these efforts, we know that the new Governor, Rev.
Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has his work cut out. In his own words, he is inheriting a
state that is in the Intensive Care Unit. Perhaps if disgraced Governor Ortom
had been more concerned with doing his job than politisicing the tragedies so
frequently taking place under his watch, the situation in Benue might be very
different, like in any of its neighbours – Taraba, Nasarawa, the FCT – which
all enjoy peace.
“Instead, Ortom
stubbornly refused to engage with the detailed, holistic approach clearly spelt
out by the Federal Government. He arrogantly chose his own, destructive path.
He blamed the Fulani for every problem that arose. He ignored numerous
intelligence reports passed to him for action. He rejected police findings into
investigations that didn’t meet his egotistical worldview. He politicized every
life lost on his watch.
“So, thank God the people of Benue rejected him so roundly
at elections. His contract was not renewed. He failed a Senate election. Even
the person he endorsed for Governorship was rejected.”
Shehu added that “If anyone is looking for someone to blame,
just ask the people of Benue”.
Last modified: April 20, 2023
