Herdsmen Killings: Over 100,000 Homeless In Benue
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From Msughshima Andrew, Makurdi
Following recent invasions and killings by Fulani herdersmen which has displaces thousands of people in some communities in Benue State, Governor Samuel Ortom says he has recorded a total population of about 100, 000 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the camps.
Governor Ortom has therefore called on the federal government, public spirited individuals, organizations as well as the international community to assist him to tackle the humanitarian challenges.
Orton who spoke after he visited three l IDPs camps in Makurdi and Daudu local government areas said the influx into the camps have increased their number from five to seven with a total population of about 100,000 people including women and children.
Governor Ortom stated that although the state government has responded to the situation by providing relief materials and facilities at the camps the influx has overwhelmed its capacity especially with those who fled from attacks in neighbouring Nasarawa State.
He directed Commissioners in the Ministries of Health and Water Resources to deploy more staff to the camps and also ensure adequate water supply.
”l want to reiterate my call on the Federal Government to rise up to its responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens by stopping the attacks and sanctioning those responsible for it”, Ortom stated.
He stressed that the permanent solution to farmers and herders incessant clashes with attendant casualties remained ranching which is an international best practice in animal husbandry across the world.
Governor Ortom said it was unfortunate that in spite of his many letters informing the presidency and relevant security agencies of the attacks nothing was done to avert them which indicated that those in authority were accomplices.
He restated his call for the arrest and prosecution of officials of the Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore who he said threatened to invade the state in May last year and have sponsored the current attacks.
