THE FORMER Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has accused his successor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, of covering up alleged mass burials in the state to create the impression of peace under his administration.
Ortom’s allegations came in response to Governor Alia’s recent remarks at the NKST Church in Ikpayongo, Gwer East LGA.
Alia had claimed that his administration had restored peace and halted the killings that were rampant during Ortom’s tenure.
Speaking through his media aide, Terver Akase, on Monday, Ortom dismissed Alia’s assertions, stating that mass burials had continued in conflict-prone areas under Alia’s government.
He cited attacks by armed herders in Zones A, B, and C, including areas such as Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi, Agatu, and Otukpo.
“There have been countless mass burials under Alia’s administration due to attacks by herdsmen. This government is only attempting to conceal the truth about the killings and mass burials,” Ortom said.
He compared his administration’s approach to security with Alia’s, emphasising that he had taken a firm stand against pastoralist expansion into Benue lands, despite facing threats and intimidation from the federal government.
Ortom noted that his administration had enacted a law banning open grazing in Benue State, a move he said was pivotal in addressing the crisis.
“His dogged stance eventually paid off, as many Nigerians came to understand his advocacy against open grazing. His administration enacted a law banning open grazing in Benue State, despite opposition from expansionist forces,” the statement added.
The former governor urged Alia to focus on governance and fulfilling his campaign promises rather than attacking his predecessor.
“Being a state governor is a temporary position. Tomorrow, he too will become a former governor. Ortom played his part and left the stage nearly two years ago. Governor Alia should focus on governance and delivering what he believes was lacking in the previous administration,” Ortom stated.
Governor Alia, during his church address, had accused Ortom’s administration of failing to curb the incessant killings by armed herders, claiming that his tenure had brought an end to the violence.
“Since I assumed office, the attacks and killings have stopped, bringing peace to the state,” Alia said.
He added that mass killings were a daily occurrence under Ortom’s administration, while his tenure had restored normalcy across the state.
