Influx Of Fulani Herdsmen Too Much For Benue – Governor Ortom

SAN FRANCISCO, March 10, (THEWILL) – Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has decried the massive influx of Fulani herdsmen into Benue State, warning that the state cannot accommodate their growing number.

Ortom who stated this while interacting with State House correspondents after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the security situation in his state called for the establishment of ranches for the herdsmen in order to divert their attention from farmlands.

He expressed delight that the Federal Government had mobilised more security personnel to Agatu communities in the state in response to the recent attack in the area that resulted in hundreds of casualties.

When asked what the present state of security is like in Benue, he said “it gives us cause to worry, but we are also looking at how best we can handle this matter, because the influx of herdsmen and their cattle into Benue State is massive and there is no way we can contain it, as the land is no longer there for herdsmen to graze.

“We must find a way and I keep advocating that we must do ranching, as it remains the best outstanding solution to the problems of these herdsmen and I believe that, that is where all of us are heading and by the grace of God, we shall achieve it.”

The Governor added that “it is the reason that I decided to come and brief Mr. President and to appreciate him for standing up for Benue State and support the state in times of this challenge of herdsmen invasion.”

He pointed out that although there had been attacks in the past, the magnitude had not assumed the present level.

According to him, “it was massive and it was beyond us and even when the president was out of the country, I saw the Vice-President and he (President) was communicated and he immediately directed the army and the policemen to move in swiftly and today, there are more units of the army in the state and, in particular, Agatu. Also several units of mobile policemen have been deployed.”