The Nasarawa State Government have denied harbouring killer herdsmen responsible for the sustained attacks and killings in Benue State.
Ibrahim Addra, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Abdullahi Sule stated this at a press conference on Wednesday in Lafia.
He explained that the governor and Sule of the state were pained over the attacks and killings in Benue State and had demonstrated concern and empathy over the unfortunate killings in all parts of the North-Central Zone.
He, however, expressed disappointment at the series of allegations coming from a supposed statesman and other prominent sons and daughters of Benue State.
“We are constrained to respond to the series of allegations against the governor by some sons and daughters of Benue State in the wake of the unfortunate killings in that state.
“In particular, the attention of the Nasarawa State Government has been drawn to a malicious statement by Prof. Zachary Anger-Gundu, former Pro Chancellor/Chairman of Council, Benue State University Makurdi.
“In a viral video circulating on some social media platforms, Anger-Gundu accused Gov. Sule of masking the killings in Benue and forcefully taking over farmlands belonging to Tiv people in Nasarawa State and handing them over to Fulani herdsmen.
“We are dismayed that the Professor could stoop so low and throw caution to the wind by making such unsubstantiated and baseless allegations against Gov. Sule,” he added.
The CPS said that stakeholders who should be working to assist the government to overcome the current security challenges have instead chosen to ignite passions by making inflammatory statements.
He challenged Anger-Gundu to prove Gus’ allegations with empirical evidence, detailing where the said killer herdsmen are being cramped and the involvement of the governor.
He said that the professor should bring forward concrete evidence to prove land seizure from Tiv people in Nasarawa State and hand it over to Fulani people.
“Failure to prove these allegations, Anger-Gundu should retract his malicious statements and tender an unreserved apology to the governor and the government.
“If he failed to prove the allegations or tender an unreserved apology, the Nasarawa State Governor has no option but to institute legal action to seek redress,” he added.
He explained that these allegations were calculated to associate the governor with land grabbing and killings in Benue State to drag his hard-earned reputation.
He advised Prof. Anger-Gundu and his co-travellers to channel information, if any, on the identity hideouts of the killers to the relevant security agencies for necessary action instead of playing to the gallery.
He added that the Gov. Sule-led administration has delivered quite well on his mandate of safeguarding and securing the lives and property of the citizens through proactive measures.
He therefore said that the government would improve patrol, surveillance and intelligence gathering in border communities to ensure protection of lives and property.
“The relative peace in Nasarawa State is a result of effective partnership and support to security agencies, constant dialogue with community leaders, including Tiv, Fulani, among others.
“Gov. Sule, who remains committed to building peace and unity among the people, cannot turn to influence or encourage criminal activities under whatever guise,” he added.
The governor aide therefore, called on the good people of the two states to beware of mischief makers and join hands with the government towards tackling the present security situation in the area. (NAN).