By Ayodele Oni
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has embarked on sensitization of indigenous Fulanis, urging them to rise and speak out against the invasion of communities in Nigeria by their kinsmen from foreign countries.
Governor Ortom spoke on Wednesday in Makurdi when he received a delegation of Nasarawa State Traditional Rulers on behalf of the State Government on a condolence visit.
The delegation led by the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo was accompanied by other Traditional Rulers from the State.
Governor Ortom pointed out that the Tiv people, Fulanis and other Nigerians had lived together peacefully until foreign Fulanis were allowed to move into the country unchecked to cause the current violence being witnessed.
On the ranching law, Governor Ortom explained that the law is a win-win for herders and farmers, as it prohibits open grazing and cattle rustling, stressing that the law does not spare any offender from prosecution, including natives.
The Governor expressed appreciation for the visit, stressing that as brothers, it was incumbent on them to sympathize, or rejoice with one another when the time permits, the reason he attended the coronation of the Emir of Keffi, Dr Chindo.
Governor Ortom acknowledged his Nasarawa State counterpart, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, for his efforts to ensure peace between people of the two states, saying the Traditional institution also has a great role to play in that regard.
Leader of the delegation and Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo, who also recalled his early days in Makurdi where he attended his primary education, presented a letter to Governor Ortom from the Governor of Nasarawa State.
He expressed hope that the “conflict entrepreneurs who are benefitting from the farmers-herders crises will one day regret,” stressing that the Tiv and Fulanis were made by God and cannot separate.
The Emir also expressed appreciation to Governor Ortom for personally attending his coronation and the support he gave for the occasion, even as he prayed God to guide him through his administration.
