From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Director-General, National Agency for Food, Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii has called on the Federal Government to step in and investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons on Tiv people by suspected Fulani herdsmen, which killed over 10 persons in Gwer-West local government area of Benue state.
Dr. Orhii, who made the call yesterday while donating relief materials to displaced persons at the St. Mary’s Primary School, North- Bank, Makurdi, the state capital, said as a member of the Joint Intelligence Board, several meetings have already been held with a view to resolving the crisis.
“Even yesterday, a meeting was held at Government House, Makurdi where I saw these ‘chemical weapons’ which were wrapped in tear gas canisters for the first time. The FG has to investigate the allegation of use of chemical weapons on the people”, he advised.
The NAFDAC boss lamented at the massive destruction caused by the crisis, noting that the people have been displaced from their homes and farms, while their children have stopped going to school.
He maintained that the attackers are not real Fulani herdsmen, who according to him, have lived friendly with the Tiv people over many years, noting that the new group are foreigners.
Dr. Orhii however, appealed to the people to remain calm even in the face of provocation, assuring that all efforts are being made to resolve the crisis amicably. He also appealed to other well-meaning Nigerians to provide succor to the displaced persons.
Materials worth over N20 million donated include water tanks, blankets, wrappers, buckets, Indomie, milk as well as vitamins supplements.
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