Buhari billed to visit Benue today

President Muhammadu Buhari PHOTO: BAYO OMOBORIOWO

Buhari billed to visit Benue today

After hues and cries by Nigerians, primarily the people affected by on-going farmers-herders crisis in Benue State, North Central Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has slated to visit the state today.

Between January 1^st and today, about a hundred and ten persons have been reported killed following farmers-herders aggression. But investigation put the figure at 200.

Though belated, it is expected that Buhari’s visit to the troubled area will change some questions but hardly may restore some normalcy.

Buhari’s visit is a part of organized tour to visit some states where violence has been reported in recent time.

A statement in Makurdi by Governor Samuel Ortom, through his Special Adviser on Media and ICT, Tahav Agerzua, said: “During the visit, the President shall pay a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs, Tor Tiv IV, Professor James Ayatse. “In the course of the visit, the President will also hold a meeting with major stakeholders at the Benue Peoples House. President Buhari shall also visit one of the eight displaced persons’ camps in the state.

Security situation in Benue degenerated when the state governor, Samuel Ortom asked residents to defend themselves against the herdsmen attack.

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Security Breakdown Imminent in Benue as Residents get Double Commands

It is uncertain how residents of Benue State, North Central Nigeria will react to deferent and divergent commands from two hierarchies of government: state and federal government. But common sense agrees that there will be divided loyalty.

Following farmers-herders crisis in the state which has taken over a hundred lives since this year, Ortom, has accused federal government of irresponsibility towards protection of residents lives and property. Ortom has urged residents to defends themselves against the Funalis.

But the Nigeria’s Police command, being headed by Ibrahim Kpotum Idris is asking the residents to have faith in the Police.

Ortom ordered the residents to seek any available means as far as it is lawful to defend themselves, saying he had lost confidence on the Federal Government.