Ortom condemns massacre of 38 IDPs by killer herders in Benue
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has condemned in its entirety the attack on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) taking refuge at LGEA Primary School Mgbam , Nyiev community, Udei , Guma Local Government Area of the state leaving 38 of the IDPs dead, while 38 others sustained various degrees of injuries, who are now receiving treatment in the hospital.
Ortom condemned the heinous act allegedly perpetrated on innocent Benue people by armed herders while addressing the people of Nyiev community on Saturday on his return from Abuja.
The governor lamented that the attack on the Nyiev IDPs was coming barely three days after 52 persons were killed in Umugidi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state by herdsmen.
Ortom described the attack as ‘unfortunate’ and stated that his government would not subscribe to lawlessness, but remain law abiding.
He commended the president for sending condolence message to Benue State, but however called on Mr. President to go beyond sending condolence messages and direct security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.
“I condemn this act. It is most unfortunate. We are law abiding people. We will not be provoked to take arms against anyone. We will allow the law to take its course. I saw the president’s condolence message, but he should go beyond this and issue orders to smoke out these herders and terrorists. You can imagine the pain of this people. People doing this are known and must be fished out. Those inviting this Fulani to unleash terror should wait until I leave office, then you can repeal the law. We want peace. I refuse to be provoked. How can we make progress with this type of killing? Putting blame and castigating me is not right”, Ortom stressed.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the attack took place between 9pm and 10pm on Friday. It was also learnt that majority of those killed were women and children.
The district head of Nyiev Community, Bernard Shawa revealed that he lost two of his children in the attack and added that there was also similar attack on the day of the Presidential/National assembly election on February 25, 2023 during which 12 persons lost their lives.
A survivor, Mnenna Orkega who lost her 10 year old daughter told newsmen that they were all asleep when they heard gun shots.
Mnnena further explained that she attempted to escape through the window when a herdsman grabbed her child and killed her.
