Benue State governor Samuel Ortom and the people of Gbeji Community in the Ukum Local government area of the State are still reeling from an attack by suspected herdsmen on Wednesday.
So far 36 persons have been confirmed dead and several others still missing in the dawn raid. And on Friday, during a town hall meeting in the community, Ortom called on the Federal Government to allow the State volunteer force to bear arms so that citizens can be best protected since the regular security personnel are not available during attacks by the suspected herdsmen.
Those who were present include Professor Anthony Ijohor, former governor and Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, Gabriel Suswam, Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly and PDP guber candidate, Engr Titus Uba.
“We are standing on our request for the Federal Government to give us a license for our Volunteer Guards to bear AK-47 and other sophisticated weapons,” Ortom, who was represented by Prof Ijohor, said.
The security agencies have been overstretched, that being the case, our people have to defend themselves.”
Former governor Senator Suswam added: “The Federal Government has failed woefully in the protection of lives and property”, lamenting that rising insecurity has exposed the country’s nakedness.
“So far 36 bodies have been recovered from this dastardly attack by herdsmen. This is totally unacceptable by all standards. It is a clear indication that the Federal government has failed in protection of lives and property of the people that they swore to protect.
“What this means in effect is that power has been transferred to non- state actors. They are totally in charge now and come to kill people at will and go freely and no person has ever been arrested.”
