Herdsmen Attacks: We’ve Had Enough Of Killings, Says Ortom, Urges Benue People To Rise Up In Self Defense

Governor  Samuel Ortom of Benue State,  has again, charged Benue people to rise up and  defend themselves against militia herdsmen who usually come to launch unprovoked attacks on them.

He gave the charge on Friday at Adoka, Otukpo Local Government Area of the state during a funeral oration in honour of Mama Enenu Ebute, mother of Justice Mary Abounu, wife of his deputy, Engineer Benson Abounu.

Ortom noted that even the Israel which is the chosen heritage of God does not allow her people to be killed in such manner without defence, stressing that Benue people have had enough and needed to live.

He urged patriotic Nigerians and men of good conscience to speak out against the ills in the country, pointing out that support and synergy with security agents was imperative in the fight against banditory, terrorism and other forms of criminality.

The governor lamented that hundreds of villages in Benue State had been sacked and thousands displaced by marauding herdsmen, noting that such portends danger for the state as the  food basket of the nation.

He admonished  the people of the state to put politics aside and join hands with government to fight for the survival and soul of Benue State which he said, is currently under siege.

While expressing belief that the deceased lived a worthy and fulfilled Christian life and would be enjoying eternity in heaven, Ortom prayed God to console the bereaved family members, stressing that he was happy to be associated with the Abounu family.

In a homily, Archbishop of Abuja Diocese His Grace, Most Reverend Oche Job, charged the living to note that there is life hereafter and encouraged them to embrace Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.

The governor’s wife, Mrs. Eunice Ortom, and other prominent personalities among whom were Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Titus Uba, Senator Abba Moro and a former deputy governor of the state, Chief Steven Lawani, attended the funeral.