Governor Ortom Alleges Threat To His Life

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State yesterday alleged threats to his life by those opposed to the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in the state.

But he declared that he was unperturbed by such threats.

Governor Ortom told a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Makurdi branch at Government House that the law has come to stay and no amount of intimidation would stop the implementation of the policy.

He asked the people of the state to remain steadfast until impunity is defeated in Nigeria.

He also stressed that no sacrifice is too big in the struggle to end the reign of terror by Fulani herdsmen in parts of Benue.

Governor Ortom pleaded with all Benue sons and daughters to forget their political differences and unite to speak with one voice against invasion and occupation of their land which has left many people dead and property worth billions destroyed.

The Governor expressed the hope that President Buhari would take further steps to stop the killing of innocent people and arrest those behind the genocide, especially leaders of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore who had threatened to resist the law.

Governor Ortom, while appreciating the NBA for the consolatory visit, said he was happy that he had not done the wrong thing by enacting a law that seeks to protect his people, stressing that it was a global best practice and that he and President Muhammadu Buhari also practise ranching.

Earlier, Chairman NBA Makurdi branch, Mr. Emmanuel Agbakor, said the gruesome killings violate the right to life of Benue citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.