The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam has condemned the recent attacks in Guma and Logo LGAs of the state by suspected Fulani herdsmen calling on the Federal Government to deploy troops to the affected areas.

He also called on the state governor, Samuel Ortom to reach out to all segments of the citizenry of the state to build a coalition of internal resources to enhance the security of citizens.

The statement posted on his Facebook pages reads in full;

It is with much heaviness of heart that I extend these words of condolence to the government and people of Benue State over the recent killings of innocent people in Guma and Logo local government areas of the state by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Words certainly are not sufficient as a medium to convey my grief over this latest round of bloodletting affecting innocent peasant farmers, many of whom were women, children and the elderly.

This is a most dastardly act, one which should be condemned in the strongest possible terms by the entire global ‘human’ community.

I call on the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari to respond to this crime with dispatch by deploying troops to the affected areas to avert further attacks. Enough is enough!

Government should also ensure a comprehensive security cover over the rest of the state to safeguard against an occurrence of attacks in any other part.

May I state here clearly that this is a moment of tragedy in our dear beloved state, one which demands of all well intentioned citizens a closing of ranks.

I hereby call on Governor Samuel Ortom to reach out to all segments of the citizenry of the state to build a coalition of internal resources to enhance the security of citizens.

On my part, I will be available to participate in all efforts aimed at ensuring the safety of the people of Benue from any further attacks by the herdsmen.

It is my prayers and those of my family that God Almighty repose the souls of those killed in peaceful eternity, and also touch our hearts with solace over those losses.

Rt. Hon. Gabriel Torwua Suswam,
Governor, Benue State (2007-2015).