ECOWAS commiserates with Governor Ortom, Benue indigenes

ECOWAS commiserates with Governor Ortom, Benue indigenes

- Benue state has been constant in the news in the past few days due to the killings by suspected herdsmen in the state

- Prominent local and international organisations have expressed outrage over the killings

- In a letter written to Governor Samuel Ortom, the ECOWAS described the killings as a calamity

The Economic Community of West African States has expressed solidarity with the governor and people of Benue state over the recent attacks by suspected herdsmen.

ECOWAS described the killings as a 'calamity,' in a letter written to Governor Samuel Ortom and seen by Legit.ng.

The letter which was written by the ECOWAS head of protocol, Steve Onwuka, on Wednesday, January 10, said the incident “could have been avoided in some other climes."

ECOWAS commiserates with Governor Ortom, Benue indigenes
Workers sealing off the graves of each corpse after the burial ceremony yesterday, January 11, in Makurdi

READ ALSO: Herdsmen attacks: Tiv traditional council asks President Buhari to forget Benue votes in 2019

Onwuka wrote: “Much as I know that you could not have opted for such calamity, you should know that the worth of your leadership is put to test by the way you address wicked problem situations of this nature and still manage to deliver leadership dividends to your subjects.

“These are the unseen and unscripted content of the oath of office you have sworn to. This is, indeed, the test of leadership."

He prayed for God to grant Governor Ortom the wisdom to address the situation and prayed that the souls of those killed find permanent rest in the bosom of the Almighty.

Meanwhile, the deputy president of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed sadness over the mass burial of the victims of the recent suspected herdsmen attacks in Benue state.

Ekweremadu in a condolence message to the people of the state, on January 11, described the burial of the people as a black Thursday, not only for the people of Benue state, but also for the entire nation.

In the statement made available to Legit.ng, the senator reiterated his call for decentralised policing in the country to enable federating protect their citizens.

READ ALSO: How I dealt with farmers, herdsmen clashes during my time - Jonathan speaks

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Source: Legit.ng

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