Benue State Governor, Samuel Otorm

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has debunked media reports 
claiming he denied that there were no much killings in the state 
following attacks on some communities by suspected herdsmen.
Such reports according to him, were incorrect and do not reflect 
accurately what he said when he granted a joint interview 
with the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau in Abuja last Tuesday.
The Governor in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary,
 Mr. Terver Akase, said he was responding to a specific question which 
quoted an earlier media report that put the figure of those killed in the
 crisis last week at over 200.

The Governor has also expressed sadness and sympathy with those 
who lost loved ones, saying his administration is working hard demanding
 an end to the unwarranted attacks on Benue people.According to him, 
though the casualty figure was not up to 200 in a single attack as reported, 
but that 22 persons had been killed during unprovoked attacks in Ukum 
and Logo local government areas.
He stated the unwarranted attacks have led to the loss of many lives and
 displaced thousands of people, stating that criminal elements were responsible 
for the lingering crisis.
According to him, he had briefed President Muhammadu Buhari and also met
 on different occasions with the Chief of Army Staff, the Minister of Interior,
 as well as the Inspector-General of Police to find a lasting solution to the 
security situation in the state.
Meanwhile the Governor has reassured the people of the state that he remains 
committed to the task of ensuring that they were free from attacks of any kind
 as it is evident in the support his administration has been giving security 
agencies to enable them perform their duties.
He is optimistic that the ‘Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment 
Bill’ initiated by his administration when passed by the State House of Assembly
 would help in ending the frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the
 state.