Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo - Politics - Nairaland
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| Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Firefire(m): 5:16am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Benue killings: If FG can’t protect us, we will raise an army, says Unongo Olalekan Adetayo, John Charles, Justin Tyopuusu, Umar Muhammed Many residents of Makurdi in mourning gathered on Thursday at the IBB Square as bodies of the victims of the Fulani herdsmen attacks of January 1 and 2, 2018, in parts of Benue State were given a mass burial. Offices, commercial banks, markets and schools were closed in the state capital as the government had, a day earlier, declared Thursday, a work-free day in honour of the 73 victims. Many of those who attended the requiem shed tears as they lamented incessant attacks on residents of the state by herdsmen. A leader of the Tiv nation and the chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, Wantaregh Unongo, said if President Muhammadu Buhari failed in his responsibility of protecting lives and property of Benue citizens, the people would train their own army in the state to defend them. Unongo recalled that a large number of Benue sons and daughters were among the contingents that fought the Nigerian civil war. “Benue people sacrificed blood for the unity of this country and will not allow a section of Fulani herdsmen to kill our people in cold blood. He said, “I am telling Nigerians that my people cannot continue to be cannon fodder for this country. If the government can’t protect us, we will mobilise and train our people into an army to defend us. We are 100 per cent in support of what Governor Samuel Ortom has done. I am the spiritual and ancestral leader of the Tiv nation; enough is enough.” Unongo stressed that the entire people of the state were watching President Buhari and had joined in the persistence calls by Ortom that the Federal Government should take drastic steps to urgently address the killings and also arrest the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Houre. “If the Federal Government cannot stop or arrest those behind the killings; in two weeks, we shall raise an army of our own. We cannot allow people to colonise us again, we have all it takes to do that,” Unongo said. Also speaking, a former military governor of Plateau and Katsina states, Maj. Gen. Lawrence Onoja(retd.), who described the killings in the state as genocidal conspiracy against the Benue people, emphasised that the killings must not continue. The Benue-born general said, “Some of us, in 1966, fought the Nigerian civil war; Benue has contributed to the unity of this country. If the Federal Governmrnt refuses to address the killings in Benue and if we decide to raise our army as advocated by our elders to defend ourselves, l will not mind to command that army despite my age.” He appealed to the government at the centre to replicate Operation Python Dance or Fulani Dance in Benue as being done in other states of the federation. He urged sons and daughters of the state to rally round the governor for the successful enforcement of the anti-open grazing law. A former member of the National Assembly, Senator J.K.N. Waku, maintained that the Benue people were known for peace, love and honour. He said, ‘’It is unfortunate that someone would oppose a law that is legally enacted and begin to kill and the Federal Government will refuse to make arrests to end the carnage. The provocation is enough; nobody has the monopoly of killing.’’ Speaking on behalf of the Benue State House of Assembly, the Majority leader, Benjamin Adenyi, expressed sadness that Buhari came to Benue State during electioneering and after he was elected, he looked the other way while Benue people were being killed. A former governor of Benue State, George Akume, urged Buhari to declare a faction of the Miyietti Allah as terrorists, saying the action of its members showed they were terrorists. He appealed to people living in Benue communities not to take the law into their own hands, but follow the path of peace and reconciliation. The representative of the United Nations, Dr Mathins Ejibike, offered his condolences to the government and people of the state, saying what was happening in Benue required international attention. “We want an enlightened approach to this matter. We should pray that this killing should be the last in Benue State.” He stated that the UN had received a report that over 20,000 refugees were already in camps and promised that the body would look into their plight. In his speech, the paramount ruler of Tiv nation, Prof. James Ayatse, claimed that Tiv people residing in Nasarawa and Taraba states were being killed by Fulani herdsmen on a daily basis since the Benue killings started. “We must put an end to these killings. This is the 47th time that Fulani people would attack the Benue people.” The paramount ruler enjoined Ortom to continue to do the needful in his bid to bring peace to the state, saying the Benue traditional rulers were behind the governor. Ortom, in his remarks, said the latest killing was the most heartless. He said, “If the herdsmen think that the killing of our people will make us to stop the enforcement of the law, they have failed. We will not be deterred because I am ready to pay the supreme price for the implementation of the anti-open grazing law. I will continue to insist on the arrest of the factional leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Houre.” Ortom rejected the idea of creating a cattle colony or grazing routes for herdsmen. He said the suggestions were not acceptable to the Benue people. He explained that the state did not have adequate land for farmers, not to talk of space for grazing. Also speaking, the state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Akpe Leva, commended the governor for signing the anti-open grazing law. Taraba anti-open grazing law starts Jan 24, death toll hits 60 The Taraba State Governor, Mr. Darius Ishaku, has said the state anti-open grazing law is not targeted at any religious group or tribe. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Emmanuel Bello, the governor explained that the law was colour blind. The statement explained that the implementation of the Taraba State Anti-Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law, which was enacted in June 2017, was expected to commence on January 24, 2018, at the expiration of the six months grace period. Ishaku in the statement noted that cattle ownership in Taraba State was not the exclusive preserve of any religion, tribe or group, adding that the law was to, among other things, change the mode of production of cattle for better yield. “This is a step towards keeping with the best tradition of cow production all over the world. Agriculture is undergoing a revolution. Antiquated means of production is giving way to better methods with the use of tractors and better seedlings, among other things. “This can happen to cattle rearing too. The ancient method of nomadic voyages has failed to give better milk production or even beef. Cows are leaner and less productive when made to go through the rigours of long distant treks. Elsewhere, ranching has become the best form of attending to the need of cattle in the world. “Even here in Nigeria, top cow owners have seen the wisdom in ranching. In Taraba, cow owners on the Mambilla have been engaging in a form of ranching, dating into the past. It is nothing new to us and I enjoined all to key into it,” the statement read in part. Meanwhile, the death toll in the last weekend attack on several communities in the Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State has risen to 60. Residents on Wednesday had put the figure at 56, but four more bodies were said have been later recovered by some youths and hunters from Katibu and Didango villages. Dauda Marafa, a community leader and a civil servant with the Taraba State Government told one of our correspondents on the telephone that the four bodies were recovered when the youth went back to the villages to check for more of the missing persons. “The bodies were recovered on Wednesday evening, but could not be buried until today (Thursday) because the youths were attacked by some gunmen. “We mobilised a team of soldiers who accompanied the youths and some family members of the deceased for burial at Katibu. The situation in the area is still fearful,” he said. The state police spokesman, David Missal, said he had yet to get any update on the crisis in Lau LGA. “I am not aware of any attack and recovery of more bodies in the area because have not received any briefing from the Divisional Police Officer from the area,” he said. ‘Benue attack displaces 18,000 people in Nasarawa’ The Nasarawa State Government said over 18,000 people in the state were displaced due to a spillover from the killings in Benue State. The Special Adviser to Governor Umaru Al-Makura on Security Matter, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Adeka (retd.), stated this at a press conference on Thursday in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. Adeka said the reports received showed that the spillover of the attacks on some communities in Benue State led to the displacement of many people in the border towns between the two states. Adeka said, “Currently, there are over 18,000 Internally Displaced Persons from various communities in the Awe and Keana local government areas who are in 11 camps in the state.” He said security had been beefed up in the affected areas, adding that the government had set up mobile clinics in the IDPs camps. Herdsmen’s attacks predate Buhari, Presidency says The Presidency on Thursday insisted that it is unkind and incorrect to continue to blame Buhari for the recent violence unleashed on some states, including Benue, by suspected herdsmen. The information was contained in a document titled, ‘Federal Response to the Attacks and Killings by Herdsmen in Benue and other States,’ made available by the Media Office of the Presidency. The document read, “Insinuations and allegations that the attacks and killings are happening because President Buhari is Fulani are both unkind and incorrect. “These attacks long predated the Buhari government. In 2013, no fewer than nine cases of herdsmen attacks were recorded in Benue State alone, with more than 190 people killed. “In 2014, there were no fewer than 16 recorded attacks in Benue, which claimed more than 230 victims. “Between January and May 2015, six attacks left more than 300 people dead, again in Benue State alone.” The media office explained that the historical context was important for a proper understanding of the issue, and to avoid unnecessarily politicising of what should be regarded and dealt with as acts of criminality. “These attacks have been a longstanding issue, and successive governments have struggled to contain the situation. “The Buhari administration is more than fully committed to bringing the cycle of violence to an end, prosecuting the attackers, and preventing further killings and attacks. “The security agencies have standing instructions to arrest and prosecute any and all persons found with illegal arms,” the statement added. According to the document, the recent killings in Benue and Taraba states have elicited many federal responses contrary to claims that nothing is being done. It recalled that Buhari had met with the Benue State governor on the matter to assure him of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting farmers and communities. It added that the President had directed the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to relocate to Benue State. “On Monday January 8, 2018, the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, convened a security meeting on the issue, bringing together federal and state government officials: Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, heads of security agencies, and the governors of the most affected states; Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Taraba. “Since the first week of January, immediately following the January 1 attacks, the Inspector General of Police has deployed the following to the affected areas: 10 units of PMF, Police Special Forces, Counter Terrorism Units, conventional policemen, Police Explosive Ordinance Department, Special Police Joint Intelligence and Investigation Team and Police Aerial Surveillance Team (police helicopters). “The Nigerian Army has deployed Special Forces to Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States. “In Benue State, eight suspected herdsmen are in police custody over the recent killings, and are currently being prosecuted. “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is working to establish cattle colonies across the country in 2018. These colonies will provide grass and water for the cattle, as well as education and health care facilities for herders. They will also have agro-rangers deployed to secure the facilities,” it added. Cc: Lalasticlala http://punchng.com/benue-killings-if-fg-cant-protect-us-we-will-raise-an-army-says-unongo/ 6 Likes 1 Share
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| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Firefire(m): 5:19am On Jan 12, 2018 |
“If the Federal Government cannot stop or arrest those behind the killings; in two weeks, we shall raise an army of our own. We cannot allow people to colonise us again, we have all it takes to do that,” Unongo said. 27 Likes 1 Share
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| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by sarrki(m): 5:22am On Jan 12, 2018 |
I assure pa unongo FG is doing its best |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Firefire(m): 5:24am On Jan 12, 2018 |
sarrki: You are absolutely right... Buhary is doing his best by maintaining Deadly Silence. What a President, what a callous human, what an insensitive government. Despite all the outcry against the President and Presidency Deadly Silence Syndrome (DSS) since 2016, yet he (Buhary) open not his mouth. 110 Likes 6 Shares
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| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by clevvermind(m): 5:26am On Jan 12, 2018 |
sarrki:Buhari is not doing anything. Buhari is the worst thing that has ever happened in this country. 101 Likes 5 Shares |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by aolawale025: 5:29am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Arrests of the criminal herdsmen would send a right signal. Benue people should not allow the matter die down 34 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Nutase: 5:33am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Way to go. 3 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Nutase: 5:36am On Jan 12, 2018 |
sarrki:kindly expantiate on what they are doing. They proscribed an unarmed ipob and labelled it a terrorist group yet they can't do same to an armed group of marauders. They sent soldiers to battle cattle rustlers yet they can't do same to an armed group of marauders. Double standards. 69 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by sarrki(m): 5:39am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Nutase: Nutase don't allow decimation of Igbos by pmb lead administration affects your thinking faculty Having said that it is an ongoing stuff as we speak A lot of intelligence gathering is on We are suspecting some terrorist group using Fulani herdsmen men as a cover 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by nero2face: 5:42am On Jan 12, 2018 |
No need to raise an ARMY, Just vote Buhari for 2nd tenure and he will correct all these issues... If not for de lost of lives in this Fulani movie, I for dey enjoy this APC government like anything... Benue voted massively for buhari, they can do better come 2019 14 Likes 3 Shares |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Firefire(m): 5:46am On Jan 12, 2018 |
sarrki: I don't know why you hide away in your Cassava farm and be posting gibberish on the internet... Intelligence gathering since May 2015? May the blood of those killed by Fulani terrorist and as a result of the weak, insensitive and clueless leader be upon APC, Buhary and those still making excuses for their death. 95 Likes 8 Shares |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by sarrki(m): 5:48am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Firefire: Morning bro How is secondus ? Why is your party not condemning this act? Pls provide us with a link where your party condemned it Hypocrisy at its peak Enemies of state are now claiming freedom fighter 3 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Firefire(m): 5:51am On Jan 12, 2018 |
sarrki: What party are you referring to? Do I tell you I belong to any political party? Can you show me in my post where i declare for any party? Be careful not to incur the annoyance and or provoke the dead. I warned you. Shalom! 46 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Nobody: 5:53am On Jan 12, 2018 |
sarrki:On that your farm.... In the north Fulani herdsmen will visit you. JK Waku was warned...he refused and continued playing sycophancy like you... Same thing unongo... Kwantinue 15 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Firefire(m): 5:54am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Anyone still supporting this government in the face of all this senseless killings and incoherent reaction or ACTION is either a TERRORIST, a Jihadist, a vampire, or all combined. 52 Likes 3 Shares |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Nobody: 5:54am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Firefire:He thinks everyone lacks objectivity like him... 38 Likes 4 Shares |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Nobody: 5:55am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Firefire:You just defined sarrki 38 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Nobody: 5:56am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Nutase:They even sent soldiers to Kaduna teachers and NLC protesting against mass sack in violation of a court order. 16 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by BeeBeeOoh(m): 6:02am On Jan 12, 2018 |
My problem is that Ortom is even canvassing for Buhari's second term of office, isn't that stupidity?? 16 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Firefire(m): 6:02am On Jan 12, 2018 |
NgcoboP: I do ignore his nonsensical posts most time as they are coming from an individual without known objectivity and too many conjecture. 16 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by perez100: 6:03am On Jan 12, 2018 |
They are telling the world the series of attacks with dates by Fulani Hersmen, and sane people are asking - with these killings all the years which the FG had confirmed with dates, yet the Fulani Herdsmen are civil while IPOB guys are terrorists? 13 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Firefire(m): 6:04am On Jan 12, 2018 |
BeeBeeOoh: The idiot is also a lily-livered element cum ass-licker. 16 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by BeeBeeOoh(m): 6:08am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Firefire:My brother I really weak I swear  7 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by EnEnPeecee: 6:19am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Buhari was an ill wind sent from hell to destroy and kill Nigerians. the killing keep increasing daily. 10 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by freeze001(f): 6:21am On Jan 12, 2018 |
I thought Unongo was forming Buhari supporter by calling Atiku financier of mad cattle baboons? He saw problem and started being stupid, it's now they denied him flatly that he acquired sense abi? They will soon remove him from that his NEF position and finish him off. 16 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Nobody: 6:23am On Jan 12, 2018 |
sarrki:Are you now Sarrki-Buhari or are you his secretary? Mr. Man, stop this m@dness, it's getting on my nerves. 9 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by sarrki(m): 6:26am On Jan 12, 2018 |
CaptainJeffry: Who are you by the way ? 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Nobody: 6:27am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Paul Unongo is becoming a nuisance, say this today and different thing tomorrow, could this be age barrier? I don't think so. Benue ancestor need to beckon this man ASAP 4 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by sunbilor(m): 6:34am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Firefire:Let them raise an army and see the unleashing of the full federal might. The IG has rightly said that the police is on top of the situation. Also, Buratai has deployed soldiers to assist them. They should keep quiet and cooperate with the security forces and not think of arming their own militia who they will not be able to control in the long run. Besides, is he not a northerner? Why am I even wasting my time on their matter? 1 Like |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Nobody: 6:34am On Jan 12, 2018 |
Nutase: please u people need to stop quoting that insane person please, is annoying 7 Likes |
| Re: Benue Killings: If FG Can’t Protect Us, We Will Raise An Army - Unongo by Bede2u(m): 6:37am On Jan 12, 2018 |
This is hate speech. Arrest Paul Unongo now. The foolish hausa paupet 9 Likes |
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