By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson
Apparently worried by the lingering crisis, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, Thursday left Makurdi for Abuja to brief the Vice President on the renewed conflict between Agatu farmers and herdsmen.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and ICT, Tahav Agerzua, he explained that on Wednesday, the governor held meetings with major stakeholders from Agatu Local Government Area and security agencies on the matter at the Benue Peoples House.
He directed that further meetings on the issue be continued on Thursday.
After receiving briefings, he directed that security for lives and property be beefed up in the affected communities while efforts are being made to restore normalcy.
He lamented that in spite of his efforts and those of his Nasarawa State counterpart, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, peace had not returned to the area hence the need to consult with the Presidency over the issue.
The Governor said his intention was to brief the President but in his absence he would consult his Vice, Yemi Osinbajo, and dismissed insinuations that he had abandoned the Agatu to their fate because they voted for the opposition in last Saturday’s re-run election.
He stated that he had no issue with people voting as they wanted and that as Chief Security Officer he had the duty to secure lives and property in the state irrespective of political affiliation or creed and would never toy with that responsibility.
He described those making such wide allegations as favor seekers and urged the people of the state to ignore them and continue to support peace efforts within the state and beyond.
