Benue Killings: Police PRO is herdsmen spokesman – Gov. Ortom alleges

Benue state government has accused the Nigeria police of taking sides with Fulani herdsmen by claiming that Benue militia groups were armed with AK 47.

Jimoh Moshood had stated that the police had evidences showing that the ranch guards were armed with proficient weapons while countering Governor Ortom’s claims.

But the Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Terve Akase, while reacting to the statement accused police of trying to justify the killings in Benue.

Akatse described Moshood as herdsmen spokesman who is downplaying the killings in the state instead of protecting the residents.

He told Channels TV, “Statement by Police spokesman on militia groups being armed is very funny. I think police is trying to neutralise killings in Benue State.

“It should be a concern to Nigerians, the police are not supposed to take sides, Jimoh Moshood has positioned himself as spokesman of herdsmen by his statement. He would not have made such a statement if he was not herdsmen’s spokesman

“Why would PPRO grant an interview and try to playdown on killings in the State.

“What kind of country are we running? That shows Nigeria Police don’t have respect for human rights. Police Force set up to protect Nigeria is trying to play down killings; that means that Benue people have been left to their faith.

“Nigerians need to know that police has taken sides. This proves that there is more to the killing.

“His statement is deceitful. What has happened in Benue should be condemned. The police seems clueless in who are deliberately ignoring their duties.

He further challenged the police to arrest and parade those behind the killings since they have evidence.

“Why is the IG yet to summit report if they have evidence? Ortom is a peaceful man who declared amnesty on armed youths in the state. More than 800 youths were disarmed and 700 weapons recovered and destroyed by police.

“This same man can’t turn around and arm militia groups. If he had money to arm them, he wouldn’t call on the federal government to do their duty or call security agencies to defend Benue,” Akase added.