Buhari commiserates with Benue people on herders/farmers’ killings

On Saturday, Despite their disagreement, President Muhammadu Buhari called Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to express the heartfelt condolences of the nation for the recent killings in the state occasioned by herders/farmers clash.

President Buhari in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shebu said all his administration condemn the recent attacks in Benue State.

The President said it was unacceptable for lives to be taken by herdsmen and farmers alike.

According to him, “No one should attack anyone because of their way of life. Neither should anyone take revenge on others for injustice done to them. Both should be held accountable for their actions, and justice delivered.

“It is equally unacceptable for the lives of those merely practising their duties as police officers and government officials to also be lost. Government will hold those that took those lives to account.”

The statement further said, “There are many times when President Buhari and Governor Ortom of Benue State have disagreed politically. But, today, the President puts all these aside, to reach out to the Governor to express the heartfelt condolences of the nation for what has occurred in recent days.

“The President pledges the full support of the Federal administration in assisting him, his State government, and people of Benue with resources to investigate what has occurred.

“When tragedies like this occur, we must remember first and foremost that we are all Nigerians.

“Politics too often gets in the way of what is best for our nation. Too often, it divides us. As those who have been entrusted with leadership by our citizens, we have a duty to remember that, and do everything we can to bridge divisions and come together in the interests of all our people.”