I’m Not Behind Suswam’s Arrest —Governor Samuel Ortom

The governor of Benue State, Mr. Samuel Ortom has denied any involvement in the arrest of his predecessor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam by operatives of the Department of State Services [DSS] on Tuesday.

Governor Ortom stated this in press release issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Akase.

According to the statement, the Governor said that claims that the arrest was based on a petition by himself are false.

He said: “We wish to categorically state that Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom did not write a petition which led to the arrest of former Governor of the State, Gabriel Suswam, contrary to some media reports.”

He noted that the claim was aimed at causing disaffection and creating “a state of confusion” in Benue State.

The aide to the governor, however, said that Ortom had written a petition to the DSS against the leaders of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as a result of the killings in the state.

The governor had consistently blamed the attacks in the state on Miyetti Allah.

It could be recalled that on the eve of New Year’s Day, suspected herdsmen attacked the state killing 73 persons.

Miyetti Allah has, on the other hand, not hidden its disdain for the state’s anti-open grazing law.

The state government has, therefore, vowed that it will not relent until victims of the attacks get justice.

“The Benue State Government has written a petition against leaders of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and has filed a lawsuit against the group,” Mr Akase continued.

“The State Government has evidence to prove that the socio-cultural organisation is responsible for recent attacks and killing of innocent people in the state.

“The Ortom administration will not be distracted from its commitment to get justice for victims of mindless attacks on the state.”

An aide to the former governor, Suswam, confirming his arrest, had alleged that he was arrested as a result of a petition by the incumbent governor, Samuel Ortom.