Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule has again denied harbouring criminal elements responsible for the mayhem in border communities between the state and neighbouring Benue.
The clarification came amid recent claims by the former Pro Chancellor/Chairman of Council, Benue State University Makurdi, Professor Zachary Anger Gundu linking the governor to killings in Benue and land grabbing in Nasarawa State, in a viral video.
Briefing newsmen on the allegation, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Addra expressed dismay on the reason for Prof. Gundu to throw caution to the winds over issues as sensitive as the insecurity at the border communities.
Addra described the allegation as malicious and inciting.
He said it was sad that stakeholders, who should be working to assist the government to overcome the current security challenges have instead chosen to ignite passions by making inflammatory statements, raising grievous and unsubstantiated allegations capable of jeopardising efforts being made to restore peace in the two states.
“We are dismayed that Prof. Gundu could stoop so low and throw caution to the wind by making such unsubstantiated and baseless allegations against the Governor.
“Let it be known that Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Government and people of Nasarawa state are pained by the killings in Benue State, but highly disappointed by the series of false allegations coming from a supposed statesman and other prominent sons and daughters of Benue state.
“It is on record that Governor Sule, in the spirit of brotherhood and good neighbourliness has continued to demonstrate serious concern and empathy over the unfortunate killings in Benue and other parts of the North-Central region,” he stated.
Addra warned that legal action will be instituted against the professor if he fails to prove the allegations detailing where the said killer herdsmen were being camped in Nasarawa State and the involvement of the governor in such.
He said steps will also be taken against the professor should he fail to provide concrete evidence to substantiate the grievous allegations of land seized and handed over to herdsmen or any other persons.
