THISDAY

Northern Leaders to Solve Herdsmen, Benue Crises, Assures Nasir

- George Okoh in Makurdi

The Chairman, Advisory Council of the Ahmadu Bello Foundation, retired Justice Mamman Nasjr has assured that northern leaders will find a solution that will solve the perennial clashes between herdsmen and communitie­s in Benue.

He said the insecurity in Benue was created by some unknown forces who were not from the North even as he assured that they would do their best to restore peace and unity in the State and the North

He stated this yesterday at Government House, Makurdi when he came. with the delegation of the foundation to pay a condolence visit on Governor Samuel Ortom on the death of over 73 persons murdered by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

He said what happened in Benue was very sad and should concern people of the north but added that the solution to the problem still lie with northern elders.

Also speaking Former Governor of Niger State and Chairman, Board of Trustee of the Foundation Aliyu Babangida stressed the need for honesty and objectivit­y in recognizin­g the pains and suffering the Benue people are going through I , adding that the perpetrato­rs must be arrested.

He also, emphasised the need to imbibe the principle and sense of Justice that once kept the North as one region.

"There is need for unity not only in the country but in the North. Whatever will affect the unity of North should be nipped in the bud. Intelligen­ce gathering should lie with the common people. Traditiona­l rulers should be empowered to do more intelligen­ce job to help the governors", Babangida said.

He said state governors lack control over security apparatus in their domain and were answerable to Federal authoritie­s.

According to him, as governor, he establishe­d cordial relationsh­ip with the security agencies in payment of their allowances as well as purchase of vehicles.

On the security situation in the State, Aliyu stressed the need for honesty and objectivit­y in recognisin­g the pains and suffering the Benue people were going through, adding that the perpetrato­rs must be arrested.

Also, Former. Governor of Benue State Gabriel Suswam who doubles as vice chairman of the Foundation lamented that what was happening to Benue people totally negates the principle and spirit of togetherne­ss of the North.

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