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How Gov. Alia is trying to hide attacks on Benue communities – Ortom

The former governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, has accused his successor  Hyacinth Alia of attempting to conceal attacks on Benue communities from the public.

Ortom made the accusation in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Terver Akase, on Monday, February 10.

Parts of the statement read: “We watched with utmost shock and sadness, a video clip in which the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia was addressing a congregation at NKST Church Ikpayongo in Gwer East Local Government Area yesterday, where he claimed that since he assumed office, armed herders have stopped attacking and killing people in the state. The Governor also leveled several lies against his predecessor, Chief Samuel Ortom whom he accused of feigning the 2021 assassination attempt on his life. Governor Alia stated that unlike during the previous administration when there were daily reports of mass killings by herdsmen, his tenure has witnessed absolute peace across the state, as attacks have ended and the people now go about their normal activities.

“While we may not bother with the theatrics of the Governor and his inclination towards obfuscation, we find it rather sad and unfortunate that he did so this time standing before a church congregation in Gwer East, one of the local government areas which have suffered some of the worst herdsmen attacks under his watch with many people killed, others injured and property worth billions destroyed. The people of Gwer who were in that church must have felt grossly dismayed on hearing such words coming from a man who is their governor.

“There have been uncountable mass burials during Alia’s administration in many parts of the state as a result of attacks by herdsmen in Zone A, Zone B and Zone C, particularly in Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi, Agatu, Otukpo among others. This government only attempts to conceal the truth about the killings and mass burials.

“The difference between the immediate past Governor, Chief Ortom and Governor Alia is that while the former stood against injustice and strongly fought the agenda of pastoralists who wanted to occupy Benue lands as theirs, his successor does not want the world to know that Benue people are still under attacks and wanton killings have been taking place in communities of the state on a higher level during his time.

“We must point out that despite the threats to his life, the intimidation and outright deprivation by the then Federal Government, Governor Ortom remained unmoved. His dogged stance eventually paid off as many Nigerians began to make sense of his advocacy against open grazing of animals and the introduction of ranches. His government went on to enact a law to ban open grazing in Benue State to the chagrin of the expansionists.

“Another significant difference between the two leaders is that while His Excellency Ortom passionately defended his people against external aggression, his successor has been blaming Benue people, accusing them of being the aggressors and cattle rustlers. Governor Ortom had no need lying on television cameras that his people were living in peace when his people were targets of unprovoked attacks. Governor Ortom had no need to say that there was relative peace simply to please enemies of Benue people. Governor Ortom needed not suppress the media from reporting the heinous crimes committed against his people by armed herders just to appear like a good friend to those who were displacing his people in order to take over their lands.

“Chief Ortom was a Governor who made it clear that he was elected to stand for the living, not the dead, and he confronted oppression head-on. He refused to submit to injustice and insisted that his people deserved dignity, equity, justice, and fairness as citizens of Nigeria. Governor Ortom chose to defend his people instead of defending the marauding killers.

“It is on record that every pronouncement that Governor Ortom made regarding the herders’ attacks and killings in Benue State was verified and documented. The facts and figures are there for all to see.

“Fulani socio-cultural groups confirmed every report of attack on Benue people during Ortom’s time in office. They assumed full responsibility and did not deny any of the attacks. They similarly assumed responsibility for the assassination attempt on Governor Ortom in March 2021. Security agencies also confirmed the attacks.

“Governor Alia should apologize to the people of Benue State for his insensitivity in claiming there are no more herders’ attacks in the state, especially when many have been traumatized after burying their loved ones.

“The Governor has chosen to tell lies repeatedly against Chief Ortom in the same manner they lied against him during campaigns for the 2023 elections. The former Governor is often left with no option than to respond and correct the damaging impression created by the blatant falsehood.

“We once again advise Governor Alia to calm down and focus on fulfilling his promises to Benue people. Being a State Governor is a transitory position. Tomorrow, he will also become a former Governor. Ortom played his part and left the stage nearly two years ago. Governor Alia is now in the saddle, so he should take advantage of what he thinks his predecessor did not do to provide such a service for the people”.

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