Ortom, Mark, Tor Tiv, Others In Closed Door Meeting With Buhari Over Killings

BY SEGUN ADEBAYO, ABUJA – In a bid to tackle incessant killings in Benue state by herdsmen, Governor Samuel Ortom, former Senate President David Mark, former Governor George Akume, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, Senator Barnabas Gemade, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa; Senator Joseph Wayas; and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Terkimbir Kyamb, amongst others, on Monday met President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed doors.

The meeting, according to a top government source, is hinged on the need to explore ways of resolving and tackling the killings in Benue state that has attracted global attention.

The meeting, which is currently holding as at the time of filing this report at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, has in attendance Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Mansur Dan-Ali (retd); Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Minister of Interior, Lt-General Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd) and other government officials.

The killings in Benue have sparked national outcry, following the mass burial last week of over 70 Benue indigenes in Makurdi, with some analysts calling on the Federal Government to be proactive in tackling the conflict that has led to loss of lives and destruction of properties in several parts of the state.

Opening prayers were said by Gemade and Mr. Sule Audu before the meeting went into a closed door session.

…details later.