Governor Samuel Ortom has expressed grave concerns about the prevailing insecurity across Nigeria.
In response to a viral video depicting bandits beating victims of a Kaduna-bound train attack and threatening to abduct the president and the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Ortom stated that there is a lack of effective governance in the country, exposing Nigerians to treatment akin to that experienced in Afghanistan.
Speaking to journalists at the new banquet hall of the government house in Makurdi on Monday, July 25, the Governor remarked;
“The situation in Nigeria is deteriorating. I had previously warned before I traveled that, if the federal government failed to take proactive measures, bandits would soon infiltrate the Aso Rock.
“Recent events in the country, such as the Kuje prison break and the threat to kidnap the president, are deeply troubling but sadly predictable. The individuals causing havoc in the country are the same as those in Afghanistan: bandits and Fulanis, who are being sponsored. It pains me to witness these events in my lifetime. Presently, there is no effective government in Nigeria. Those surrounding the president are criminals.
“Mr. President, if you are hearing me, I must express my disappointment in your performance. You have violated the oath of office, causing pain and suffering to Nigerians. The socio-economic conditions of the people have plummeted. Instead of uplifting us, you have driven us to desperation. We require authentic change, not the superficial change you promised in 2015.”
Regarding his visits to the United Kingdom and the United States of America, Ortom clarified that he had gone there to challenge the federal government’s claims about attacks by herdsmen in Benue State.
The Governor of Benue also advocated for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, whom he referred to as “freedom fighters”.
He further stated;
“My visit to the United Kingdom and the United States of America aimed to correct the misleading narrative that blamed the crisis in Benue State on climate change. They were astonished to uncover the true extent of the attacks, which exceeded the information they had been provided with.
“Even during the rainy season, Fulani herders invade our communities, committing acts of violence, rape, and murder. These Fulanis originate from countries such as Niger, Senegal, and Mauritania.
“They have merely used climate change as a shield; their primary motive for the attacks is to occupy our lands.
“I also appealed for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, who are fighting for freedom, while bandits are being granted amnesty. I made this plea because if, in the future, I am compelled to become a freedom fighter for my people, I hope they will not obstruct me.”
