Arrest Miyetti Allah Over Plateau Killings, Gov. Ortom Tells FG

The Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom has called for the arrest of “those who have claimed responsibility” for the killings which occurred in Plateau state on Sunday.

The governor made the statement while inaugurating the 19 chairmen and members of the state-owned Boards and Commissions in Makurdi.

Ortom was reacting to statement made by the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, who claimed responsibility for the massacre.

MACBAN had said the attack was a retaliation for the killing of “over 300 cows in the last few weeks by the villagers.”

“There have been recent reports of cow rustling and destruction of farms between Berom farmers and Fulani herdsmen. The Fulani herdsmen have lost over 300 cows in the last few weeks. 94 cows were rustled by armed Berom youths in Fan village; another 36 were killed by Berom youths. In addition to that, 174 cattle were rustled and the criminals disappeared with them to Mangu. Since these cows were not found, no one should expect peace in the affected areas,” the association had said.

Irked by the statement, the Governor wondered what the “government is waiting for” even after the group had claimed responsibility for the attack.

He further lamented the level of killings and destruction of property in Benue, Plateau and other North Central states by armed militant herdsmen.

He said, “Those who have claimed responsibility for the killings should be arrested. Just like we in Benue have been calling for their arrest for their complicity in the Benue killings.

“What is the government waiting for? It is heartrending that in a country of close to 200 million people this kind of act takes place as if we are still living in the past.

“As a state government, we appreciate the federal government for sending the Operation Whirl Stroke to end the killings in Benue state. We will give the operation all the needed support to ensure it succeeds.

“But we have said that those who are law-abiding are free to live in Benue state and do their legitimate businesses. They can apply for land and set up their ranches in line with the provisions of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishments Law.

“Our adoption of ranching is to the extent of what is in our law and I have repeatedly said that we do not have one single 5,000 hectares of land for the establishment of a single massive ranch but we can avail individuals land to set up personal ranches as provided by our law which remains the panacea for the crisis.”