Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has accused his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, of downplaying the lingering security crisis in the state.
Ortom’s criticism follows Alia’s recent claim that armed attacks on residents have ceased since he assumed office.
The governor reportedly made the statement while addressing a congregation at NKST Church, Ikpayongo, in Gwer East Local Government Area on Sunday.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Tever Akase, Ortom condemned Alia’s remarks, describing them as misleading.
“While we may not bother with the theatrics of the Governor and his inclination towards obfuscation, we find it rather sad and unfortunate that he did so this time standing before a church congregation in Gwer East, one of the local government areas which have suffered some of the worst attacks under his watch,” Ortom stated.
He further alleged that mass burials have taken place in multiple parts of the state due to herdsmen attacks, particularly in Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi, Agatu, and Otukpo.
“The difference between the immediate past Governor, Chief Ortom, and Governor Alia is that while the former stood against injustice and fought against pastoralists attempting to occupy Benue lands, his successor does not want the world to know that killings and attacks on Benue communities have intensified under his administration,” Ortom added.
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