Benue Assembly Laments Killings, Summons Gov. Ortom

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue State House of Assembly yesterday expressed worry at the deteriorating security situation in the State and summoned Governor Samuel Ortom to appear before the House to brief them on actions taken by the State Security Council to halt the incessant killings of Benue people by Fulani herdsmen.
The Governor is to appear next Wednesday for the interface.
The House also, resolved to suspend plenary for one week in solidarity with the victims of the attacks.
It equally expressed appreciation to members of the National Assembly for their firm stance against the killings, particularly their decision to suspend plenary in protest and to summon the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the matter.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange who gave the ruling after a debate on a motion of Urgent Public Importance moved by Ianna Jato, also appreciated the State Acting Governor for his efforts at ensuring the protection of the people in the Governor’s absence.
Earlier while moving the motion of Urgent Public Importance, Jato lamented that the people of the State were being killed in large numbers without any practical actions by those whose Constitutional role it is to protect the people.
He said Tuesday killing of two Catholic Priests and worshippers in a morning funeral Mass in Gwer Local Government and the one that followed few hours later in Guma Local Government is a dangerous trend that must be halted without further delay.