Akume under attack for accusing Benue Govt as responsible for killings, not Herdsmen

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator George Akume has come under criticisms over a statement he made accusing Benue State Government of being responsible for the mass killings in the state, not armed Fulani herdsmen.
The criticism was made by former Senate President, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu at a reception held in honor of the Chairman, Benue State Internal Revenue Service, BIRS Mr. Terzungwe Atser held in Ipav, Gboko local government area, describing the comments made by Senator Akume as unfortunate, irresponsible and embarrassing to the state, considering the position he occupies in the society.
Dr. Ayu regretted that such a statement was emanating from Senator Akume who, as the Senate Committee Chairman on Army, has failed woefully to prevail on the federal government to end the killing of hundreds of innocent people in the state only to make such a spurious allegation.
Dr. Ayu further expressed dismay over Akume’s comments, saying he would continue to support Governor Samuel Ortom who has courageously stood firm in defence of human lives and property.
“It is high time the people of Benue speak with one voice against those who want to cause disaffection between them and the government of governor Samuel Ortom”, Dr. Ayu stated.
Also reacting to Akume’s allegation, Secretary to the Benue State Government, Professor Anthony Ijohor, SAN, condemned the utterances and urged the people to be vigilant to resist at any level the senator’s antics which he said have characterised his recent public outings both in the state and at the national level.
“It is unthinkable for a man like Akume who is from Benue to go public to allege that the Benue State Government is responsible for the killing of its people. The implication of his unfortunate outing in Abuja is that we have a big problem on our hands. They are now changing the narrative to blame the victim,” Prof Ijohor stressed.