Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom is to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari over speculations that the military Operation Whirl Stroke, (OPWS) may be withdrawn from Benue on the account that peace has been restored in the state.
The Governor stated this at a thanksgiving service in honour of a newly ordained priest, Reverend Father Cornelius Anagbe, younger brother to the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Reverend Wilfred Anagbe, in Aondona, Gwer West local government area.
Ortom stated that though the Operation has brought relative peace in troubled parts of the state, there are still pockets of security threats that need to be fully addressed with time, expressing the hope that the presidency would see the reason and heed to his appeal.
He commended the officers and men of Operation Whirl Stroke for their selfless service, commitment and professionalism which have yielded results in the fight against insecurity in the State.
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Gov. Ortom expressed the readiness of his administration to continue to provide support for security agencies operating in the state to enable them succeed.
He stated that Benue’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law remains in force and must be obeyed by all irrespective of where they are coming from, as those who violate the legislation would be sanctioned according to its provisions.
While urging people of the state to always pray for religious, traditional and political leaders for God’s divine direction, the Governor acknowledged the support and counsel of Bishop Anagbe and the Church in general to the enactment and implementation of the ranching law which has now been celebrated worldwide.
The Governor who congratulated the newly ordained, also wished him fruitfulness in the Lord’s vineyard.
Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe had earlier cautioned Christians against clannish interests that could retard development in the society, saying he craves for a people – oriented and committed leadership that would evolve policies and programmes with positive impact on people of the state.
