Gov. Ortom of Benue has threatened to drag Senator George Akume before the Supreme Assembly of the Tiv Traditional Council over his comments on the violence in the state.
The Senator and former governor of Benue state, was recently quoted as telling President Muhammadu Buhari, while leding Benue APC leaders on a visit to Abuja, that the state government was behind the protracted violence in Benue.
He was also quoted as alleging that the state government was not committed to ending the violence.
Gov. Ortom, however, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Makurdi, expressed shock that Akume had chosen to exonerate militia herdsmen from the continued attacks on Benue rural communities insisting that Akume was refusing to tell the president the truth about the security situation.
The Gov. according to the statement, spoke at Tyulen in Guma Local Government, during the funeral ceremony of Mrs. Rose Adzuu, mother of Terseer Adzuu, a member of the Benue House of Assembly, and Frank Adzuu, Ortom’s Senior Special Assistant on Administration.
“Since the senator has chosen to tell the President that militia herdsmen are not behind the violence, it implies that he has adequate knowledge about the killings and should explain the details to the traditional council.
“The comments are shocking and unfortunate; Akume appears ready to sacrifice his people,” Ortom was further said.
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Ortom, at the funeral restated his commitment to implementing the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, noting that it had been adjudged as the best solution to the frequent crises arising from animal husbandry.
While condoling with the deceased family, Ortom said their mother lived a fulfilled life and died in Christ.
Former governor of the State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, also consoled the family and prayed God to grant their mother eternal rest.
