From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom has distanced himself from any attack on herders on Tuesday in Nasarawa State.
Reports emanated that over 43 persons were killed in an operation conducted by the military.
But fingers were pointed at the Governor as being behind the operation.
He told stakeholders during a summit on the forthcoming Population Census organized by the National Population Commission (NPC) in conjunction with the ttate government that his attention was drawn to an operation carried out in Nasarawa State on Tuesday night where some persons said he sent soldiers to kill people.
According to him, the Operation was from Defense headquarters, adding that no one sought his consent even when Benue people were found there.
He accused the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, of diverting attention after losing their case at the Appeal Court.
“I did not send anyone to Nasarawa State to create problem.
In the same vein, the Governor through his Special Adviser on Media and ICT Terver Akase accused the APC of colluding with militia herdsmen to set the state in flames.
“By their outing, the APC in Benue State has left no one in doubt that they are working closely with those who invade communities of the state and attack innocent people. This is not the first time that leaders of the party have come out to take sides with killer herders. The APC in Benue State has often accused Benue people of attacking and killing themselves. Not too long ago, the governorship candidate of the party re-echoed the accusation which the party’s leader first made four years ago absolving herdsmen of any responsibility in the series of attacks on Benue people. “
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
