All Farmers Association of Nigeria, (AFAN) Benue State chapter has expressed shock, that Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong could accuse the body on Channels Television of carrying AK-47 riffles like Fulani herdsmen.
Benue State Chapter said, it dissociate itself from the claim, saying it finds Governor Lalong’s accusation as grossly unacceptable, and hereby reject it in its entirety.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Chairman and Secretary Aondongu Saaku and Anthony Onu Ogbole, which was made available to CAPITAL POST, the group noted the claim by the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum as misleading and an insult to Benue farmers.
The body throw its weight behind the effort of Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom who has been doing his best to rid the State of criminals.
The statement said: “We consider the Plateau State Governor’s utterances as an insult to farmers of Benue State in particular and Nigerian farmers in general whose efforts in feeding the nation are being frustrated by atrocities of armed herdsmen.
“Benue farmers are peaceful and law abiding. We do not take the law into our hands despite the many unprovoked attacks on our members who are killed in their hundreds and their only source of livelihood destroyed by armed herdsmen.
“We commend the efforts of Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom in the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law and numerous other measures he is taking to guarantee lasting peace and security in the state.
“We also acknowledge the Governor for his firm stand for justice and his unflinching commitment to ensuring that thousands of our members who have been displaced as a result of herdsmen attacks return to their ancestral homes.
“We are still waiting for the N10 billion promised by the Federal Government to help displaced farmers to resettle.
“We are encouraged by the Governor’s selfless efforts and it is our belief that someday soon, we will get justice.
“We hereby call on the national office of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria to rise in defence of her members across the country”, the statement concluded.
