Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom, says the state is under attacks because some people wanted annex over some communities and turn them to their own ‘republic’. Ortom disclosed this when he received Joseph Tondo, the state Chairman, Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, and other members of the coalition on a condolence visit to him in Makurdi on Friday.

He called on the people to set aside their political differences and support the government in tackling insecurity in the state.

The governor emphasised the need for synergy to tackle the security challenges faced by the state, pointing out that the activities of terrorists did not recognize party affiliation. The terrorists do not care whether you are APC, PDP or APGA.

According to the governor, those terrorising the people of Benue had ulterior motives, including the takeover of the state, and had made their intentions known in several fora. Ortom urged the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to the affected communities “because they are still vulnerable and the people live in fear”.

He expressed optimism that “God would see the people of the state through the current security challenges”.

Tondo  in his remark said that they came to commiserate with the governor over the incessant killings of Benue people by suspected herdsmen.

He said the attacks had caused a lot of setbacks in the state but commended the governor for the pragmatic steps he had taken in handling the crisis.

He urged the governor to sustain efforts aimed at restoring order in the state and hailed his leadership style of appointing people across party lines into public offices, stressing that running all-inclusive government is the panacea to disunity.