Ortom urges FG to declare Fulani herdsmen terrorists as 7 persons murdered in Benue community [Photo]

Saddened by the endless Fulani herders’ attacks in Benue, Governor Samuel Ortom has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare armed Fulani herdsmen terrorists.

Killing of vulnerable innocent people in Benue communities by armed Fulani herders continues unabated.

The Governor’s call followed repeated herdsmen attacks on different communities of the state in the last couple of months.

In a statement sent to CAPITAL POST on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, Mr. Terver Akase, the latest of such attacks took place last Friday night at Tse-Chembe community near Anyiin in Logo Local Government Area where the herders murdered seven persons in cold blood and left many others badly injured.

Governor Ortom condemned the invasion and killings and describes the situation as unacceptable.

The statement averred: “Benue State has a law which prohibits open grazing of livestock.

“Only a terrorist group would deliberately choose to violate the legislation as Fulani herdsmen have done since the law was emanated in 2017.

Governor Ortom stated that declaring the armed herders operating in Benue State as terrorists will end the wave of impunity and guarantee the rule of law.

He called on people of the state, particularly those living in the affected areas to report any suspicious persons to security agencies.

The Governor commended officers and men of Operation Whirl Stroke for their prompt responses to distress calls, particularly that of Friday night when the people of Tse-Chembe came under herdsmen’s attacks.

He reassured Benue people that his administration will not surrender the state to criminal elements, be they herdsmen or any other group.

Governor Ortom said no amount of threats and attacks will stop the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the State.