President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday called on the government and people of Benue state to exercise restraint following the recent attacks on some communities and assuring that all the perpetrators of violence in the state will be made to face the wrath of the law.

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Receiving a delegation of political leaders, traditional rulers and elders of the state, led by Governor Samuel Ortom at the Presidential Villa, President Buhari said all those involved in the conflict that has cost the loss of lives would not escape justice, including any illegally armed militia in the state.

The President commiserated with all the victims of the attacks, and the families who lost loved ones and properties, noting that the government would make efforts to ameliorate the situation of all the victims.

President Buhari said relevant agencies had been directed to start catering for the humanitarian needs.

The President told the delegation that his administration had already begun a process of finding a lasting solution to the perennial challenges of herdsmen conflict with farmers and communities around the country.

President Buhari said the Inspector General of Police had been directed to relocate to the state to ensure the security of lives and properties, urging all Benue indigenes to trust the security agencies and report all suspicious cases of movements in the state.

In his remarks, the Benue State Governor said the tension would be reduced with the Federal Government’s intervention to find a lasting solution to the herdsmen attacks.

The Tor-Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, said his entire domain had been thrown into mourning due to the incessant attacks.

Present at the meeting were; Benue State Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu, former Senate President, David Mark, former Benue State Governor, Sen. George Akume and Sen. Barnabas Gemade. Others include Sen. Joseph Waku, Gen. Lawrence Onoja, Brig. Gen. John Atom Kpera, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Terkimbir Kyambe, and other members of the National and State Assemblies from the State.

 

Report by Nnabuchi Nnabuchi