Grief-stricken Benue Gov. Samuel Ortom has lamented that the people of the state have become endangered species.
Orton’s statement came against the backdrop of the gruesome murder of 23 persons in fresh attacks on two communities in the middle belt state by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
At least, 15 people including women and children were slaughtered by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Tyortyu in the Tarka local government area of the state on Monday night, Persecondnews.com gathered.
Also, no fewer than eight other persons were mowed down same night by Fulani herdsmen who invaded Mbadwem in Guma local government area.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nathaniel Ikyur, in a statement on Tuesday, disclosed that scores of others were injured and are receiving treatment in hospitals.
“It is becoming increasingly glaring everyday that my people are now an endangered specie and so we can no longer wait for help from anywhere.
“My people will have to rise up to the occasion to defend themselves and their heritage against the Fulani Army of occupation.
“We are law abiding citizens. We have cried for help against these invaders but nothing is forthcoming.
“We are left alone and it looks like it is a deliberate strategy. Now we have only one option; to defend ourselves or get extinct. This is a case for our survival.
“We have been accommodating of other people in our land but our hospitality is misconstrued as weakness. We are not a conquered people, we will never be. We are free born citizens of Nigeria,” Ortom said.
He restated that the state government will not shy away from its commitment to providing welfare and security for the citizens.
Ortom, however, urged security agencies to do more in crime prevention and protection of lives and property.
“People should also cooperate with security agencies to flush out the undesirable elements in the society.”
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