As part of measure to resolve the recent crisis in Mbatyough Council Ward, Mbagen in Buruku Local Area of Benue State, Governor Samuel Ortom, has suspended Zaki Ortar Agwa Mnyange Kwahar pending the investigation of his role in the crisis.
The Governor pronounced the suspension after he met with the Tor Jemgbagh, HRH Chief Afatyo Ajoko, Ter Buruku HRH Moses Hanior, Mue Ter HRH Tivfa Addingi, the kindred heads in the wards and elders from the area at the Benue people House on March 26, 2021.
Governor Ortom who condemned the gruesome manner that a widow, Mrs Shaade Nyihemba, was murdered by unknown criminals, ordered that full investigation be carried out by the Police and DSS to find out those behind the dastardly act for prosecution.
In a statement signed by Commissioner for Information Culture and Tourism, Mrs Ngunan Addingi, the Governor directed that Zaki Ortar Agwa Mnyange Kwahar be suspended according to Section 30 of the Benue State Chieftaincy Law, to pave way for investigation into his role in the crisis at Mbatyough, Mbagen Council Ward when he should be promoting peace.
Other measures taken to end the skirmishes also include that all youth groups in Yemakem be banned with immediate effect while all activities of Yamakem youth association were also suspended indefinitely.
The Governor said police personnel at the donated police station in Diwa, Mbatyough Council Ward would be withdrawn to base immediately and the police station shut down until proper documentation is completed.
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Governor Ortom warned against floating of parallel Vigilante groups in the council wards and emphasized that anyone found hosting such groups would be sanctioned.
He further warned Benue Livestock Guards to restrict their operations within the mandate of the outfit which is primarily about preventing open grazing and rustling of animals.
He warned that any member of the Livestock Guards found operating outside the stipulated mandate would be expelled from the organization.
Governor Ortom encouraged Benue people, particularly youths, to shun acts inimical to peace and support the government to guarantee the safety of lives and property while providing development to the state.
