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Benue community leader writes Ortom over herders/farmer crisis

Respected Benue statesman and community leader based in Lagos, Chief John Apochi, has opposed the decision of Governor Samuel Ortom to invite Mrs. Aisha Alkali…

Respected Benue statesman and community leader based in Lagos, Chief John Apochi, has opposed the decision of Governor Samuel Ortom to invite Mrs. Aisha Alkali Wakili, popularly called “Mama Boko Haram” to the state.

According to Apochi, Ortom’s fresh attempts to embalm the herders/farmer clashes with the coat of Boko Haram terrorism, with the purported hiring of a mediator would spell doom for the already troubled state.

In a four- page letter written to the governor which was made available to our correspondent in Lagos, the Benue leader called on Ortom to rescind his decision.

He said in the letter: “I am an indigene of Benue state, a Nigerian and a Benue Community leader in Lagos. I am compelled to scribble these few lines to you because I have foreseen danger in your recent steps in handling the herders/farmers crises plaguing our state.  To be forewarned is to be forearmed and I write this epistle to you in good faith, believing that you will carefully reflect on the issues raised herein. 

“Security issues are very delicate and one wrong step could lead to a string of catastrophic consequences.  The heightened herders/farmers crises in our state have gone to very complex and frightening dimensions as well as its mutated terrorism character.  I am sure, you are shocked by the sheer magnitude it has assumed because of glaringly faulty steps and decisions you have taken and imposed on the state on the conflict.

“The deaths and destructions arising from the conflict have given every patriotic and responsible Nigerian leader cause for concern. People of the state are most disturbed and all hands must be on deck to fetch a solution to it, wherever it is hidden. The situation on our hands does not create space for pretenses, as it appears probable now from your handling of the matter.

“I am quite clear, as the Benue State Governor and Chief Security Officer of the state, you are not oblivious of the resonating voices of internal forces promoting acts of violence, killings and destructions, which is thoughtlessly blamed on Fulani herdsmen”.

Given the complexities of the crisis, Apochi called for evolvement of “honest remedies which are tested and trusted to end the conflagration between herders/farmers in our state.”

He added, “To posture, as if you delight in the killings, destructions and escalation of the crises is getting some of us nervous, as it questions your sincerity of purpose.”

According to him, inviting Mama Boko Haram would not solve the problem.

“Mr. Governor Sir, I want to believe you are so shamefully and pathetically   confused about the conflagration you have plunged our state   into, with the herders/farmers crises. Hiring Mrs. Wakil as negotiator is yet another subtle exposure of your mindset as supporting and  importing terrorism into Benue State.

“Mr Governor Sir, please do our people the favour of rescinding that decision. It is fraught with everything evil and we shall hold you strictly responsible should you ignore wise counsel to migrate Mrs. Wakil into our state to spy for Boko Haram terrorists. If dialogues is necessary in conflicts situations,  as you emphasized, to what extent have you dialogued with leaders of Fulani herdsmen on this issue? Enough of these pretenses! 

“I appreciate your audience and may Almighty God open your blindfolded eyes to the light of truth, justice, fairness and also, imbue you with a conscience that is alive to act properly”.

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