The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has responded to Wednesday’s statement by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll-led Jama’atu Nasril Islam, that herdsmen killings in Benue and some other northern states were not a continuation of Usman Dan Fodio’s jihad.
The Secretary-General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, had made the statement in which the body accused Ortom and a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode of denigrating Islam.
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But in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, Ortom dispelled that he denigrated Islam but insisted that the killings had ethno-religious footprint.
He said that many Fulani Nationalist groups had been threatening violence against Benue people, especially because of the recent Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law passed by the state
“The Benue State Governor has enormous respect for the leadership of Jama’atul Nasir Islam and all other Nigerian Muslims and would not have launched an attack on the religion. We reject and condemn this negative branding of the Governor by JNI.
“Since assumption of office, Governor Ortom has embraced and encouraged all religious groups in the state especially the Muslim community as evident in the cordial relationship between the present administration and leadership of the Islamic faith. It is therefore strange that the headquarters of Jama’atul Nasir Islam has chosen to assault the Governor’s reputation on a matter which has verifiable evidence unconnected with him.
“Governor Ortom has demonstrated statesmanship and focus in handling the secuirty challenge in the state and he appreciates the contributions of all stakeholders particularly religious leaders both Christian and Muslim towards the return of peace to the affected parts of Benue State,” the statement read in part.