Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has decided to be able to tackle the insecurity in the state.

According to the statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, the governor decided to cut short his leave to return and join hands with major stakeholders to address the ongoing crisis in some border and other communities of the state.

It would be recalled that Ortom proceeded on two-week vacation penultimate. Monday and was expected back next Monday, 29 of April, 2019.

It was also recalled that in his absence, the Tiv/Jukun crisis escalated while gunmen attack on innocent people in the state assumed a dangerous dimension.

The statement said that the return of the governor became necessary following renewed killings of innocent people and destruction of property by gunmen especially in the Sankera area of the state.

Ortom appealed for calm and assured the people of the affected areas that the Benue State Government will do everything lawfully possible to ensure the end of the crisis and to guarantee their safety.

The statement read in part, “Governor states that it was part of the peace efforts that his Deputy, Engineer Benson Abounu recently led a state delegation to Taraba to meet with key stakeholders in that state where they engaged on the best approach to end the lingering crisis between the people of border communities in the two states.

“Governor Ortom states that even while on leave he has been in constant touch with heads of security agencies in the state and is optimistic that sooner than later, peace will return to the troubled areas.

“He appeals to those taking advantage of the crisis to whip up sentiments to remember that Benue is the only state they have and if they allow politics to destroy it, the impact of such destruction will affect everyone irrespective of political affiliation.

“The Governor appreciates 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 enjoined the people of the state to sustain the support and collaboration with the State Government in restoring peace to all parts of the state.” (Nigerian Tribune)

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