July 09, (THEWILL) –Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom, has described the terror attacks on president Muhammadu Buhari’s convoy and Kuje Prison, as national embarrassment, even as he called on Muslims in the country to pray against the unabating security challenges in the country.
He said the deteriorating situation arguably demands divine intervention, noting that the alarm he earlier raised has vindicated him.
In a Sallah message to mark the celebration of Eid-el Kabir, the Governor said, it is an understatement to submit that the nation is overwhelmed by the security challenges in recent times.
While urging citizens to cooperate with security operatives, in order to get rid of the security menace ravaging the nation, the Governor, however, lamented that his ceaseless calls on the federal government to rise up to its responsibility by 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.”
A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, and made available in Makurdi on Friday, quotes Ortom as saying, “they have in more than equal proportion ignored my calls. As it is right now, we are all endangered in this country with no hiding place for anyone. If the President’s convoy can be easily attacked by terrorists just the way I was attacked on my farm, then, nowhere, no one is safe.”
Governor Ortom, however, expressed optimism that hope is not lost, if all hands can be put 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 decides today to end this insurgency, Nigeria will be free. For now, there is 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.”
“Let me 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 Muslim faithfuls to use the occasion of Eld el-Kabir to fervently pray for Nigeria in distress, the governor called for religious harmony among various denominations and groups in the country.
According to him, it was as a result of the determination of his administration to end security challenges facing the state, that he has continued to support all military and other sister agencies despite the meagre resources.
He noted that this will be complimented by the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, in order to contain the frightening security situation in the state.
