The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, on Tuesday painted a gory picture of the spate of violence in his state stressing that gunmen still unleashed terror, despite the deployment of policemen.
Calling for more assistance, the governor disclosed that no fewer than two the policemen sent to the area to contain the violence were slaughtered like goats.
One according to him, was still in the hospital critically injured.
Ortom who spoke with State House Correspondents in Abuja after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari said: “Just yesterday (Monday) in Logo local government, mobile policemen who were deployed to keep vigil to protect the people and the land, this militia came, exchanged fire with them and caught two of them.
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“They were slaughtered like goats. They shot another one, machete him and left him in the pool of his blood but luckily he did not die. We have taken him to the hospital, we are treating him, the other one that was declared missing was found today.
“So, when it gets to the level of militia killing security men who are armed and trained to protect lives and property, is it not taking a dangerous dimension? Who is now safe?”
Apparently overwhelmed by the spate of violence, the governor said he welcome the deployment of troops if that would ensure peace.
“Anything that can stop the killings of my people, I will go for it. I’ll support it. Any policy or any directive, anything that will help stop the killing of these innocent people who are not armed because this cannot continue,” he said.
He said it was unfortunate that the state was facing the spate of violence at a time when there were other major challenges like economic and political problems.
“Benue State should not be part of this. There is no need for it,” he said.
He said the prohibition of open grazing which is believed to be responsible for the mayhem, was made out of the necessity to ensure that the herdsmen and farmers lived in peace.
“The law seeks to protect all and as I talk to you, except this Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, who are instigating people to fight and to kill us, there are Fulani men in Benue State doing their business properly.”
It would be recalled that attacks have been carried out on some communities in Benue State, by people suspected to be herdsmen, leaving many dead.
In view of the enormity of the problem, President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the Inspector General of Police to move to Benue State to ensure that peace is restored.
