Benue governor, Samuel Ortom, withdraws from all political activities, says he cannot be a leader over dead people

Following the recurring attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen on residents of the state, Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, yesterday announced his withdrawal from all political activities until the problem of herdsmen invasion in the state is adequately addressed by the Federal government.

Last week, suspected herdsmen attacked two communities in the state killing 20 persons including a pregnant woman. Speaking at an emergency stakeholders meeting at the state government house, 
Governor Ortom said.

 “I have decided to withdraw from every political activities until this problem is over. I cannot be a leader over dead people. 2019 is in God’s hand. This time, there is need for synergy, cooperation and unity among every Benue people across party lines.”

He urged all the indiegenes form the state to look beyond party and tribal affilations and work with his administration to seek a solution to this recurring attacks that have brought pain and sadness to the state.

While noting that the issue at hand is beyond party politics, he said for the first time in many months, he had to personally call former Governor Gabriel Suswam and former Senate President David Mark to invite them for the emergency stakeholders meeting.

 “Yesterday for the first time in months, I called the former governor, Gabriel Suswam and former Senate President, David Mark to inform them about the stakeholders meeting today but was told the former governor traveled out of the country. This issue is beyond party politics.”