Gov. Ortom decries renewed farmers, herdsmen clash

Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has condemned the renewed crisis between farmers and suspected Fulani herdsmen in Agatu Local Government Area of the state.

Ortom’s voiced displeasure was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and ICT, Mr Tahav Agerzua, in Makurdi on Tuesday.

Ortom called for immediate cessation of hostilities from both parties and directed security agencies to ensure the restoration of peace to the area.

Buhari endorses Ortom’s amnesty programme

The statement said the governor at a recent joint Security Council meeting between Nasarawa and Benue in Lafia agreed to visit Agatu the troubled area with his Nasarawa counterpart.

He expressed regrets that his counterpart was still out of the country when fighting broke up and appealed for restraint.

He said the aggrieved parities should give government of both states an opportunity to exploit further avenues for peace in the area.

Ortom further directed his Deputy, Mr Benson Abounu, to visit Agatu on Tuesdays, Feb. 2 to meet with traditional rulers, farmers and youths in the area to assess the situation and appeal for peace.

He said the Benue Security Council was in touch with its counterpart in Nasarawa state in an effort to restore peace and prevent criminals from hijacking the situation to cause security breech.