Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has lambasted National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for alleging his aides are behind killings in the state.
He accused Oshiomhole of jumping into conclusion over the ongoing investigation of the suspects arrested in connection with the murder of two Catholic priests and 17 worshipers at Mbalom, Gwer East local government area of Benue State.
In a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, the governor said: “Our suspicion is that either the investigation into the matter has been compromised or the APC National Chairman is influencing it.
“Benue people know who their killers are, and the attackers are believed to be sponsored by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and other Miyetti Allah groups.
“We advise the APC National Chairman to stop his shameful dance on the graves of innocent Benue children, pregnant women and others slaughtered by armed herdsmen.”
Ortom said Oshiomhole’s unprovoked attacks on him a few days after describing him as a star performer in the APC “has revealed among other things, the true oppressive intentions of the ruling party APC against Nigerians.
“Oshiomhole appears to be flying a kite of an agenda to intimidate and suppress Nigerians who desire freedom from a party which has clearly failed to secure lives and property, thereby ushering in an orgy of violence never before witnessed in the history of the country.”
The attacks following his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last week according to Ortom would further convince “those yet to make up their minds that they are truly in the wrong place.
“We advise the embattled Chairman to get busy with the job of his office and minimize his divisive and hate-filled statements.”