Plateau State Governor, Simon LalongPlateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has tendered his unreserved apologies to his Benue State counterpart, Governor Samuel Ortom and the people of Benue State over the comments he made following the murder of over 60 people by herdsmen in two local government areas.
Governor Lalong had told newsmen at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, last week, that he warned Governor Ortom against passing the anti-grazing law which was believed to have caused the deadly killings by the herdsmen.
The governor’s statement was widely criticised as highly insensitive and suggestive of justifying the killings and grave injuries inflicted on the villagers by the unidentified herdsmen.
Governor Lalong, who retracted his statement at the weekend in Abuja, said that his comments would not in any way help in the resolution of the crisis.
“I must say that I humbly apologise for my comments because I have seen that it was really misconceived and misinterpreted. That generated a lot of social media write-up here and there about the issue. I apologise for that because neither the argument for or against helps the matter because it involves lives.
“I am here to comment on my statement concerning the lingering issue. That is my comment after the presidential visit in respect of the crisis in Benue State.
“Once again, let me use this opportunity extend my deepest sympathies and extend our condolences to the people of Benue State over this great loss. My prayer is that God will continue to give them and every Nigerian the fortitude to bear the loss.
“I have great respect for the sanctity of human lives and the unity of the Middle Belt. I would not say Plateau is fighting Benue State at all. We are brothers and sisters. Benue was created out of Plateau. Nasarawa was created out of Plateau.
“We still remain brothers and sisters. So I extend my prayers to all of them and I pray that God Almighty will give them the fortitude to bear the loss and grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.”
