Fulani Influx Too Much For Benue —Gov Ortom

GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State has raised the alarm over the massive influx of Fulani herdsmen into Benue State who, he said, the state cannot accommodate.
Fielding questions from State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the security situation in his state, he said ranches must be developed for the herdsmen to turn them away from farmlands.
He expressed delight that following the recent attack in Agatu communities in the state, leading to hundred of casualties, the Federal Government had mobilised more security personnel to restore normality to the area.



Asked to give an update on the security situation, following the incessant attacks, he said “it gives us cause to worry, but we are also looking at how best we can handle this matter, because the influx of herdsmen and their cattle into Benue State is massive and there is no way we can contain it, as the land is no longer there for herdsmen to graze.
“We must find a way and I keep advocating that we must do ranching, as it remains the best outstanding solution to the problems of these herdsmen and I believe that, that is where all of us are heading and by the grace of God, we shall achieve it.”
He added that “it is the reason that I decided to come and brief Mr President and to appreciate him for standing up for Benue State and support the state in times of this challenge of herdsmen invasion.”
He noted that though there hade been attacks in the past, the magnitude had not assumed the present level.

According to him, “it was massive and it was beyond us and even when the president was out of the country, I saw the vice-president and he (president) was communicated and he immediately directed the army and the policemen to move in swiftly and today, there are more units of the army in the state and, in particular, Agatu. Also several units of mobile policemen have been deployed.”

Ortom, who was flanked by Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau and his Bauchi State counterpart, Muhammed Abubakar, said they were also at the Presidential Villa to commiserate with the president on the death of former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, James Ocholi.
Ortom said the late minister, who died alongside his wife and son on Abuja-Kaduna road, was close to Benue people who he said had been thrown into mourning.
Tribune.