President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to deal with all the trouble makers that have made Benue State a hot bed of ethnic clashes.
He stressed that those found to be operating illegal militia in possession of arms, will not be spared.
The President, who spoke at an audience with governor Samuel Ortom, leading Benue State leaders and elders, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, today, Monday, advised the government and people of the State to exercise restraint.
The President emphasised that all those involved in the conflict that culminated in loss of lives would not escape justice, including any illegally armed militia in the state.
He commiserated with the victims of the attacks and the families who lost loved ones and properties.
President Buhari said that relevant agencies had been directed to start catering for the humanitarian needs.
“Your Excellency, the governor, and all the leaders here, I am appealing to you to try to restrain your people. I assure you that the Police, the Department of State Service and other security agencies had been directed to ensure that all those behind the mayhem get punished.
“I ask you in the name of God to accommodate your country men. You can also be assured that I am just as worried, and concerned with the situation.”
The President told the delegation that his administration had already begun a process of finding lasting solution to the perennial challenge of herdsmen conflict with farmers and communities around the country.
President Buhari said that the Inspector General of Police had since relocated to Benue state to provide security for lives and properties.
He advised indigenes of the state to trust the security agencies and report all suspicious cases of movements in the state.
Governor Ortom had said that the tension would be reduced as the federal government has intervened to find a lasting solution to the herdsmen attacks.
“We will leave here to rebuild confidence in our people,” he said.
The Tor-Tiv of Tiveland, Professor James Ayatse, also said that his entire domain has been thrown into mourning due to the incessant attacks.
“We want you to put an end to the gruesome situation,” he added.
Present at the meeting were Benue State Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu, former Senate President, David Mark, former Benue State Governor, Senator George Akume and Senator Barnabas Gemade.
Others include Senator Joseph Waku, retired General Lawrence Onoja, retired Brigadier General 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.[myad]
