- Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has denied linking attacks by suspected herdsmen to the Usman Danfodio's jihad
- He said the remarks by the Jama'atul Nasir Islam on an interview he granted in February on the suspected herdsmen attacks in his state is misleading
- According to the governor, there is a deliberate attempt by JNI to cast him in bad light before Muslims in Nigeria
The governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, has denied reports that he castigated some Muslims in the state.
Ortom said he never attributed the herdsmen attacks in the Benue to a continuation of the late Usman Danfodio's jihad.
The governor in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Terver Akase, said he found it important to put the matter in its proper context.
Akase said a statement by the secretary general of the Jama'atul Nasir Islam (JNI) Khalid Aliyu accusing the governor of making such remarks is misleading and a deliberate attempt to cast the Governor in bad light before Muslims in the country.
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He said: "In the interview under reference, Governor Ortom who was responding to a specific question, only quoted the threats by leaders of Fulani Nationality Movement, FUNAM, Miyetti Allah Kautal Horee and Miyetti Allah Cattle Herders Association who had addressed press conferences and stated that the attacks on Benue State were a jihad and struggle for the control of natural resources in the Benue Valley. The groups also vowed that there would be more bloodshed in Benue State.
For instance, the Fulani Nationality Movement stated in a communique after a meeting in Kano on January 13, 2018, that they had embarked on a Jihad in Benue State.
"We notice the recalcitrant culture of the Tiv people as demonstrated even during the 1804 Jihad when they obstructed our ordained conquest of Nigeria...We call on all Fulanis to prepare for this Holy War. There is no going back. All over the world, Nigeria is the only country given to Fulani by God.
Governor Ortom who referred to such statements including the ones quoted above from the Fulani Nationality Movement, reiterated his call for the arrest of the leadership of the groups to prevent further killings in the state," Akase said.
He added that the governor had earlier drew the attention of security agencies to the inflammatory statements made by the said groups vowing to wage a jihad and mobilize their members to invade Benue.
He said the groups also resist implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law passed by the state.
Akase added: "The Benue state governor has enormous respect for the leadership of Jama'atul Nasir Islam and all other Nigerian Muslims and would not have launched an attack on the religion. We reject and condemn this negative branding of the Governor by JNI.
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Since assumption of office, Governor Ortom has embraced and encouraged all religious groups in the state especially the Muslim community as evident in the cordial relationship between the present administration and leadership of the Islamic faith. It is therefore strange that the headquarters of Jama'atul Nasir Islam has chosen to assault the Governor's reputation on a matter which has verifiable evidence unconnected with him.
Governor Ortom has demonstrated statesmanship and focus in handling the security challenge in the state and he appreciates the contributions of all stakeholders particularly religious leaders both Christian and Muslim towards the return of peace to the affected parts of Benue state," he concluded.
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll had slammed Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state, and a former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, for linking herdsmen killings across Benue, Taraba and other parts of the north, to the continuation of the late Usman Danfodio’s jihad.
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The sultan, who is the president-general of the JNI with headquarters in Kaduna, warned the governor and his others, not to take Nigerian Muslims for granted.
He urged Muslims to intensify prayers for peace as the 2019 general elections approach adding that this is important as politicians continue to foment crisis in the land.
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Source: Naija.ng