By: Bayero Ade
Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has accused his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, of deliberately concealing mass burials in the state to falsely portray an atmosphere of peace under his administration.
According to Afripost, Ortom made this claim on Monday while responding to Alia’s remarks at NKST Church, Ikpayongo, where the governor asserted that killings by armed herders had ceased since he assumed office.
In a statement released by his media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom refuted Alia’s claims, stating that mass burials were still taking place in conflict-prone areas such as Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Gwer East, and Agatu.
“This government is only trying to suppress the truth about the ongoing killings and mass burials,” Ortom alleged.
Defending his own tenure, Ortom emphasized his implementation of anti-open grazing laws and his firm stance against attacks by herdsmen, despite facing resistance from the federal government.
He further criticized Governor Alia for prioritizing attacks on his predecessor rather than focusing on fulfilling his campaign promises.
“Governorship is a temporary position. One day, Alia will also become a former governor. Instead of trying to discredit me, he should concentrate on governance and delivering on his promises,” Ortom stated.
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