••• Says Security Chiefs Not Sincere to Nigerians
Attah Ede, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has called on Muslims in the country to pray against the unabating security challenges in the country.
He said that the deteriorating situation arguably demands divine intervention.
The Benue Governor also said that the security chiefs are not sincere with Nigerians on the fight against insecurity.
The Governor said it is an understatement to submit that the nation is overwhelmed by the security challenges.
He sighted the recent terrorist attacks on Kuje prison and the attack on President Muhammadu Buhari’s convoy as “a national embarrassment.”
Governor Ortom in his goodwill message to Nigerians to commemorate this year’s Eid Kabir celebration through his Chief Press Secretary, Naths IKyur, urged the citizens to cooperate with security operatives in order to get rid of the security menace ravaging the nation.
However, he lamented that his ceaseless calls on the Federal Government to rise up to its responsibility of providing security for the citizens have fallen on deaf ears over the years.
“The successful invasion of the Kuje Prison, right in the heart of the nation’s capital, Abuja, by terrorists, during which scores of inmates escaped, unarguably vindicates my clarion calls on the federal government to wake up to its responsibilities and address the security threats gradually tearing the nation apart.
“They have in more than equal proportion ignored my calls.As it is right now, we are all endangered in this country, and there is no hiding place for anyone. Everywhere, everyone is under attack.
“If the President’s convoy can be easily attacked by terrorists just the way I was attacked on my farm, then no where, no one is safe.” He said
The Governor equally expressed optimism that hope is not lost if all hands can be on deck to honestly address the challenges.
“Let me repeat myself. We can overcome these security challenges if the President and his cabinet are honest enough to stand up and do the right thing for this nation.
“If the President dies today to end this insurgency, Nigeria will be free. But as it is right now, there’s no assurance that he is ready.
“Those he has placed in charge of the security architecture of this country are not sincere to him and to Nigerians”.
“I want to restate my call for the convocation of a national security summit where all stakeholders will be present to brainstorm and find lasting solutions to this insurgency tearing our nation apart.” We cannot continue to live in perpetual fear in our fatherland”.
While urging the Muslim faithful to use the occasion of Eld el-Kabir to fervently pray for Nigeria in distress, the governor then called for religious harmony between and among various religious denominations and groups in the country.
He assured that despite the limited resources, he has continued to support all military and other sister agencies due to his administration’s determination to end the state’s security challenges.
He recalled that the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards was established in order to contain the state’s frightening security situation.
