 |
Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has raised alarm over the continued delay in implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives aimed at curbing the escalating violence in Benue State. Speaking during a televised interview on Monday, Ortom expressed deep concern that no concrete steps have been taken since the president’s visit to the state over a month ago.
President Tinubu had visited Benue on June 18 following the Yelewata massacre, where over 100 lives were lost in a brutal attack. During his visit, the president issued a clear directive: former governors, traditional rulers, and current Governor Hyacinth Alia were to collaborate on a unified security strategy to restore peace.
“We have not had any meetings. Maybe we are still waiting for the governor to call us. Benue belongs to all of us, and we cannot allow this bloodshed to continue,” Ortom stated.
The former governor, whose ancestral roots trace directly to Yelewata, emphasized the personal impact of the tragedy and reiterated his commitment to supporting any genuine effort to end the violence. He also criticized the previous administration for failing to act decisively and praised Tinubu’s willingness to visit the affected communities and demand accountability from security agencies.
Ortom further alleged that the violence is being fueled by foreign elements, claiming that attackers from neighboring countries have collaborated with local actors to destabilize the region. He urged to act swiftly and transparently, warning that continued inaction could deepen the crisis.
The people of Benue State, civil society organizations, and national stakeholders are now calling on Governor Alia and relevant authorities to honor the president’s directives and convene the necessary reconciliation and security meetings. The time for delay is over—Benue cannot afford another tragedy.