A group under the aegis of Forum of Concerned Benue Elders has advised Nigerians to be guided by the truth and reasonably apply caution in matters of security and ethnicity for a peaceful coexistence.
The group which made their views known in Makurdi, the state capital through their leader, Dr Laha Dzever, alleged that the deposed Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had in a Hausa video making the rounds on social media and a document signed by Sanusi and 51 others and presented to the presidency accused Governor Samuel Ortom of masterminding the Doma, Akwanaja bombing in Nasarawa State.
According to them, “For such an assertion to come from elders whom we hitherto, erroneously considered nationalists is even more disturbing and should be totally condemned.
“We should be guided by the truth and must reasonably apply caution in matters of security and ethnicity in this country. How can they mischievously attribute the use of drones, jets and aerial bombardments, a feat which can only be achieved by the military to the Benue State Governor?”
The group further said, “ We are disappointed with the Sanusi led group’s call for survivors to ‘exercise’ their right of self-defense by whatever ‘means available’ a threat to peace instead of suggesting peaceful solutions and we also emphasize that when Governor Ortom speaks, he does so on behalf of the Benue people and any attack on him is an attack on all Benue people.
“It should be clearly understood that neither the Benue State government nor her agents have a hand in the Akwanaja bombings in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Therefore, any attempt to rope in the Governor and the people of Benue State as portrayed by Sanusi’s letter is hereby totally condemned.
“Although we should not in any way celebrate or be indifferent to the killing of people of any ethnic group or religion. We similarly condemn the unfounded allegation by this group of elders on the Benue State Livestock Guards. The legally established body would therefore continue to enforce the 2017 Anti-open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law in order to protect livestock and crop farmers in the State.”
The group also condemned and protested the persistent and alleged deliberate campaign of calumny against Governor Ortom by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACABAN) and Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM), adding that it is on record that these groups have allegedly justified, supported and even taken responsibility for the violent killings in Nigeria, particularly Benue State including the over seven assassination attempts on the governor.
“We are aware of the renewed threats by armed herdsmen to attack parts of Benue State particularly Gwer West local government area. We call on security agencies to act swiftly to forestall the impending attacks.
“It should be clear to everyone that Benue State stands wholly with their Governor in all his efforts to protect his people who elected him into office, therefore attempts by any group of people to distract him will remain futile,” the group said.
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