Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has cut short his leave to join hands with major stakeholders in addressing the ongoing crises in some border and other communities of the state.
Recall that there have been series of clashes in some parts of the state and around Benue border communities in the last few weeks, leading to loss of lives and properties.
A press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, to the Governor, Terver Akase said Governor Ortom was already on the way back to the country.
Akase said the decision became necessary following renewed killings of innocent people and destruction of property by gunmen especially in the Sankera area of the state.
He appealed for calm and assured the people of the affected areas that the Benue State Government would do everything lawfully possible to ensure the end of the crises and to guarantee their safety.
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The Governor stated that the recent visit by a state delegation led by Deputy Gov. Benson Abounu to Taraba to meet with key stakeholders in that state was part of efforts to find lasting peace between the people of border communities in the two states.
He said even while on leave, he had been in constant touch with heads of security agencies in the state and is optimistic that sooner than later, peace would return to the troubled areas.
He appealed to those taking advantage of the crisis to whip up sentiments to remember that Benue was the only state they had and if they allowed politics to destroy it, the impact of such destruction would affect everyone irrespective of political affiliation.
The governor thanked the Benue State House of Assembly, State Executive and Security Councils, the Benue State Council of Chiefs, leaders and members of religious, civil society and other groups, the media and the entire people of the state for the support given his Deputy while he was away on his annual leave.
He further enjoined Benue people to sustain the support and collaboration with the State Government in restoring peace to all parts of the state.
