▪visits the graveyard of 73 persons killed by Fulani herdsmen
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called for immediate and comprehensive measures to resolve the unfortunate killing of Benue people by Fulani herdsmen.
The governor donated N200million to the Benue State Government for the purchase of relief materials and medicines for the displaced persons.
Governor Wike declared that it is no longer fashionable to trade blames while innocent people are killed by armed gangs.
Governor Wike spoke at the Peoples House in Makurdi on Wednesday after he led a delegation of Rivers Elders on a condolence visit to Benue State in honour of those killed by Fulani herdsmen earlier this year in the state.
Governor Wike and Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom led other leaders to offer prayers at the graveside of the 73 Benue people murdered in cold blood.
He said: “What has happened in Benue State has affected me. I am pained. Look at deaths everywhere. Nobody is free again.
“People don’t understand the magnitude of the injury inflicted on the people of Benue State. The country must sit down to proffer solutions to this menace “.
The governor said the conflict that affects a component state affects the entire country as it dislodges the security system.
“There is no way anybody can justify these killings. There is no justification whatsoever. The people of Benue State must rally round their governor at this point”, he said.
The governor added: “When you have a brother who has problems, you associate with him. Time has come when we must rise above party lines and tackle our problems “.
Governor Wike said as Christians, Rivers people respect the sanctity of human lives, hence the visit to Benue State.
He urged the Benue people to be vigilant at all times and employ techniques of self defence to protect themselves from unprovoked attacks.
At the graveside of the slain 73 persons, Senator George Sekibo offered prayers for the repose of their souls.
In his remarks , Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom said that 100,000 persons have been displaced by the invasion of Fulani herdsmen.
He said that Benue State is also battling with the influx of displaced persons from Cameroun.
The Benue State Governor regretted that rather than resolve the security challenges facing the state, the Inspector General of Police has become a spokesman for the Fulani herdsmen.
The killers of Benue people are known to the security agencies. He said the people of Benue State will continue to seek for justice until the leaders of Miyetti Cattle Breeders are arrested.
Ortom thanked the Government and people of Rivers State for the donation, saying that they have acted as true brothers .
The Benue State Governor added that the graveyard for the 73persons was set up as a memorial for those killed by Fulani herdsmen.
Governor Wike was accompanied by Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, Senator George Sekibo, Senator Olaka Nwogu, Former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo, Former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Chairman of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Chief Ferdinand Anabrabra, Former National Presidentof NBA, Chief Onueze Okocha, Prince Emma Anyanwu and Former Attorney General of Rivers State, Hon Frank Ohwor.
