Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom, has described the terror attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari’s convoy and Kuje Prison as a national embarrassment, even as he urged Muslims in the country to pray against the country’s ongoing security challenges.
He claims that the deteriorating situation necessitates divine intervention and that the earlier warning has vindicated him.
The Governor stated in a Sallah message to commemorate Eid-el Kabir that it is an understatement to say that the nation has been overwhelmed by security challenges in recent times.
While urging citizens to cooperate with security operatives in order to rid the nation of the security threat, the Governor lamented that his repeated calls on the federal government to rise to its responsibility by providing security for 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, undoubtedly vindicates my clarion calls on the federal government to wake up to its responsibilities and address the security threats gradually tearing the nation apart.”
Ortom is quoted as saying in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, and made available in Makurdi on Friday, “they have ignored my calls in more than equal proportion.” As things stand, we are all in danger in this country, and there is nowhere for anyone to hide. If terrorists can easily attack the President’s convoy, as I was on my farm, then no one is safe.”
Governor Ortom, on the other hand, expressed optimism that hope is not lost if all hands are put on deck to honestly address the challenges.
“Permit me to restate 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 the country. Nigeria will be liberated if the President decides to end the insurgency today. For the time being, there is no guarantee that he is ready. Those he has put in charge of the country’s security architecture are untrustworthy to him and Nigerians.”
“Let me reiterate my call for the convening of a national security summit at which all stakeholders will be present to brainstorm and find long-term solutions to the insurgency that is tearing our country apart.” We cannot continue to live in constant fear in our fatherland.”
While urging Muslim faithfuls to use Eld el-Kabir to fervently pray for Nigeria in distress, the governor called for religious harmony among the country’s various denominations and groups.
He claims that despite limited resources, his administration has continued to support all military and other sister agencies.
He added that this will be supplemented by the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards in order to contain the state’s frightening security situation.
