Nathaniel Ikyur, Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has alleged that there has been an influx of Fulani herdsmen into the state since the Governor-elect, Reverend Fr Hyacinth Alia won the March 18 gubernatorial poll.
Ikyur, in an article titled “ORTOM DID NOT SHUT OUT THE FULANI FROM BENUE”, expressed worry that Alia’s tie with the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, George Akume may not go well with the security of the state.
Recall that Ortom had on several occasions accused Akume of supporting the Fulani herders, saying the former governor has never condemned the incessant killing happening in the state.
Akume had denied the allegations, blaming the activities of the herders on Ortom’s inability to govern the state properly.
Ikyur, in his article, urged the governor-elect to settle down and comprehend the issues of security in the state, stating that the burdens of the next administration would be weightier.
Part of the article reads, “As Governor-elect Father Alia settles in to comprehend the real issues beyond the sound bites of political bombast, he must recognize the magnitude of the security challenges and threats to the various communities of Benue. For sure, Alia’s burden is weightier.
“My suspicion is that our oppressors want to use the face of the church to wreak more havoc on the fertile Benue lands.
“Therefore, his success or not will have a dent, positive or negative on the Church depending on how he navigates between satisfying his sponsors and keeping the Benue lands safe, and away from the bloodthirsty herdsmen. Already, the herders are excited and moving into Benue with speed”.