The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has called on the people of the state to resist the invasion of their communities by herdsmen under the excuse of grazing.
Also, he advised them to arm themselves with Permanent Voter’s Card ahead of the 2019 general election.
The governor gave the call on Friday while declaring open a ministers retreat organised by the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.
The event was held at NKST Church Iortyer.
Ortom who emphasized the role of the church in ensuring security of lives and property through prayers said they should be vigilant.
According to him, they should not allow the enemies to impose leaders on the state.
To allow that, he said, was to give room for a free reign of terror.
He said only two weeks ago, three persons were kidnapped in Guma and held hostage for days.
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The kidnappers, he said, sent a message to him that the people were kidnapped as a result of the anti-grazing law.
Ortom said it was regrettable that so much chaos was being caused in the country with less than 20 million cattle.
He said in countries with 200 million cattle, ranching was carried out without hitches.
Speaking at the occasion, the chairman of the state chapter of CAN, Reverend Akpen Leva, said the retreat was meant to strengthen the already existing unity among the church and as well pray for peace in the state.
He commended Governor Samuel Ortom for standing firm through the enactment and implementation of the ranching law of the state.
