The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has urged the people of the state to defend themselves against any attacker.
He said self defence had become necessary in order for them not to become easy preys to attackers.
Recall that 73 persons were reported killed in Guma and Logo LGAs on New Year’s Day by suspected herdsmen, which led to massive protests in the state, with protesters calling on the governor and President Muhammadu Buhari to resign if they could not meet their primary responsibility of securing the lives of the people they were elected to govern.
According to The Punch, the governor called on the people to defend themselves on a Benue radio programme titled ‘Issue of the Moment’ on Tuesday.
He reportedly berated the police for continued recording of killings in two local governments in the state while they claimed to be on duty.
The governor also lambasted the Inspector General of Police for allegedly saying that the anti-open grazing law in the state was responsible for the attacks.
“I think the people should have the right to defend themselves and not to make themselves easy preys to be killed in their homes.
“So any lawful means you can adopt to defend yourself, just go ahead in Benue State. We are not going to wait for the Inspector-General of Police to do it,” Ortom was quoted as saying by The Punch.
He also declared that the curfew imposed on Gboko town, where seven men believed to be Fulani were set ablaze penultimate Tuesday, had been lifted.
Ortom equally commiserated with the families of policemen who lost their lives while on duty in the state.