Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Monday urged residents of the state to defend themselves against any armed invader.
Ortom, who made the remark while reacting to questions from journalists on his arrival to Makurdi from Oyo State where he attended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ meeting, said people need to rise up against unnecessary invasion of their homes.
“I have told my people to defend themselves. You can’t sit down in your house for people to come from somewhere and kill you.
“If you don’t have weapons require by the law, go to your neighbour and get one. Everybody in Benue both men and women should defend themselves,” he said.
The governor, who was obviously angry about fresh killings allegedly perpetrated by suspected armed herders in parts of the state, stressed that it was time for people to rise up against such criminality.
Commenting on the Governors meeting, he disclosed that the forum has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to give attention to security.
“We (PDP Governors’) have affirmed our position on the southern Governors’ decision banning open grazing of animals. We hope that we shall join hands together with the president to address the matter. There is no way we can do it without the president because more power is at the centre. We have work to do with the President,” Ortom maintained.
