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Plateau’s delegation sympathises, apologises to Benue State people

By Joseph Wantu, Makurdi
17 January 2018   |   3:28 am
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State yesterday sent a high-powered delegation to condole with Benue people and also apologise over his remarks on their anti-open grazing law. Represented by his Commissioner for Town Planning, Festus Fwanter, Lalong said the New Year day killings were one attack too many, pledging to work with his colleague, Governor…

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State yesterday sent a high-powered delegation to condole with Benue people and also apologise over his remarks on their anti-open grazing law.

Represented by his Commissioner for Town Planning, Festus Fwanter, Lalong said the New Year day killings were one attack too many, pledging to work with his colleague, Governor Samuel Ortom, in finding a permanent solution to the menace.

He said herdsmen had killed about 14,000 people in both states in recent times.

His words: “We are both food baskets of the nation and we have lost over 7,000 people each to herdsmen’s attacks. For what happened in Guma, Logo and other parts of Benue State, Plateau also shared the same experience in Bassa, Jos North and Jos South which is still happening till date.

“Plateau and Benue are together and we should therefore set aside our differences and forge ahead to find a lasting solution to these problems of poverty, under-development and insecurity.

“Though, for administrative reasons, we have been separated but not in any way to divide ourselves. We should not compromise the future of our generations as leaders.”

Ortom appreciated the visit, saying the people of Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states remain brothers and sisters.

He apolgised to his Nasarawa counterpart, Tanko Al-Makura, over a remark he ought to have bared privately.

However, the Benue leader has warned those raising false alarm and making inflammatory statements regarding the security situation in Makurdi to desist forthwith or face arrest.

He noted that the development was creating panic and giving hoodlums the opportunity to harass, rob and even kill innocent people.

Ortom described as unfortunate, the tendency by some persons to exaggerate the situation, thereby causing fear in the minds of the people.

The governor said the protests witnessed in the capital last weekend had been brought under control, ordering the police to apprehend anyone found to be fomenting trouble.

He urged residents to go about their business without fear of molestation as well as assist security agencies with timely and useful information to enable them perform their duties creditably.

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