Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has said his recent trips to the United Kingdom and the United States of America afforded him the opportunity to correct the wrong narrative given to the international community on the mayhem unleashed on the state by terrorists.
Governor Ortom stated this on Monday, while briefing journalists and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders at the new Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.
The Governor explained that the mindless killings and invasion of Benue communities by terrorist herdsmen have been twisted before the international community by some powerful forces to mean they were mere clashes as a result of climate change and other environmental issues.
He explained that the real issue of unprovoked and coordinated attacks on communities in the state were deliberately hidden away from the international community.
Governor Ortom emphasised that as the leader of the state, he considered it as part of his duty to correct the wrong impression sold out to the outside world.
The Governor also informed stakeholders that during his trip, he met with several international organizations, including the US State Department, International Christian Concern, in both the United Kingdom and the United States of America, where he presented the true situation on the ground with facts and figures to the international community and requested their intervention.
He also stated that he made a case for religious freedom and tolerance in the country, saying it was the reason Benue State, under his leadership, has no case of religious crisis as he has created the enabling environment for all citizens to practice their faith without hindrance.
He commended Benue people for standing with him in the midst of all the challenges confronting the state and expressed his determination not to give up but to ensure that the challenges are surmounted.
The State Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu, Senator representing Benue North-East, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly and PDP Governorship Candidate, Rt Hon Titus Uba, members of the State Executive and Security Councils, members of the State House of Assembly as well as party stalwarts, attended the briefing.