Izhi Masacre in Benue: Nwebonyi speaks tough over Gov. Ortom's silence

 BY SOLOMON OKEMINI

  Barr. Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi.

The Commissioner for Capital City Development in Ebonyi State,  Barr. Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi has described as a barbaric and savage the attacks on Izhi people by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Benue State, and expressed worry over the silence of the Governor of the state, Samuel Ortom. 

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State.

NATIONAL PANEL gathered that numerous  Nwori Nduobashi natives in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State have been killed, maimed and with different valuables including houses razed down during the weekend by the herdsmen who invaded the area and unleashed mayhems on the innocent and defenceless citizens.

Nwebonyi who was the immediate past Ebonyi State PDP Chairman and an illustrious son of Izhi clan has immediately carried  spot  assessment of the ugly incident on the early hours of Sunday 30th May 2021,  visited the affected villages.

He at the same day assessed the level of damage and sympathize with the victims.

The Commissioner enjoined the people to remain calm but vigilant, described as worrisome, the incessant attacks on unarmed and defenceless citizens by marauding herdsmen while the Federal government keeps aloof. 

He also stated that 'Ebonyi State government under Governor David Umahi is leaving no stone unturned in making sure that the lives and property of residents of the state are protected.'

Nwebonyi further decried the lackadaisical attitude of the Benue State government and wondered why the Benue State government could not show any concern or action when the people they claim to be their own were   massacred and their property destroyed wantonly, even after the carnage.

He stated that the incident has clearly shown that Benue State does not accept the people of the area either ethnically or geographically.

 He added, "there is a question to answer on why the people of Ado and Oju LGAs of Benue State could allow the attackers free access to attack Izhi people and leave after the incident without any hindrance. The whole thing, he said, smacks of something fishy."

He however, commended the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi for his quick response and immediate dispatch of relief materials to the affected community.

He said, "the fact that the Governor of Ebonyi State took prompt response and responsibility of the medical treatment of those injured in the attack has shows that he recognizes the people as Ebonyians, which they truly are."