Benue Killings: ‘I Cannot Be A Leader Over Dead People’ – Governor Ortom Withdraws From All Political Activities

Yesterday, January 5, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom announced his withdrawal from all political activies in the state until the Federal Government addresses the problem of herdsmen invasion following the fresh attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen on residents of the state.

Last week, suspected herdsmen attacked two communities in the state killing 20 persons including a pregnant woman. Speaking at an emergency stakeholders meeting at the state government house, Governor Ortom said

“I have decided to withdraw from every political activities until this problem is over. I cannot be a leader over dead people. 2019 is in God’s hand. This time, there is need for synergy, cooperation and unity among every Benue people across party lines.”

He urged all the indigenes form the state to look beyond party and tribal affilations and work with his administration to seek a solution to this recurring attacks that have brought pain and sadness to the state.

While noting that the issue at hand is beyond party politics, he said for the first time in many months, he had to personally call former Governor Gabriel Suswam and former Senate President David Mark to invite them for the emergency stakeholders meeting.

“Yesterday for the first time in months, I called the former governor, Gabriel Suswam and former Senate President, David Mark to inform them about the stakeholders meeting today but was told the former governor traveled out of the country. This issue is beyond party politics.”