From Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has raised the alarm over alleged plans by herdsmen to invade the state en mass.
The Governor, who spoke at the funeral service for the late Mama Atese Rebecca Terkpe at the NKST Church, Taraku, in Gwer Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, urged residents to pray against the impending invasion.
He disclosed that security reports at his disposal showed that herdsmen had concluded plans to invade the state in order to subvert the implementation of the anti-open grazing law.
He explained further that according to the reports, Fulani herdsmen across the West African sub-region were planning to invade the state and called on the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to organise prayers and fasting for divine intervention.
Ortom, who restated his stance that the anti-open grazing law remained the best solution for restoring peace between farmers and herders in the state, enjoined the people of the state to support its implementation, which he said was imperative.
While appealing to the people to shun violence but rather resort to dialogue in the resolution of disputes, the Governor noted that lives and property lost during crisis could not be replaced.
He described the deceased as a God fearing woman who raised her children in the fear of God and also impacted positively on the society.
In his sermon, the Rev. J. I. Buruku enjoined Christians to embrace the light so as to escape the works of darkness.
Son-in-law of the deceased, Mr. Stephen Amase, who gave the vote of thanks, appreciated those who made spiritual and material contributions towards the funeral as well as those who took time to personally pay last respects to the deceased.