News
Herdsmen, Ortom Bicker Over Killing Of Cows
Fulani herdsmen have alleged that members of the Benue State Livestock Guards Task Force have killed 207 of its cows.
Garus Gololo, leader of Fulani in Benue made the allegations while speaking to a cross section of the media in Makurdi.
He also alleged that the setting on fire of Governor Samuel Ortom’s rice farm was merely a cover-up to shield the killing of the 207 cows.
But Terver Akase, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Samuel Ortom has described the claim as false.
Though, Gololo said he had reported the matter to the police, the state police command, denied receiving any complaint from the herdsmen on the killing of the cows
Gololo, who spoke with newsmen on phone from Nasarawa State, explained that the 207 cows were killed at Kwatan Bala, near Apkanaja, Nasarawa State on the eve of the New Year.
According to him, “On 31st of December, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom instructed members of the Livestock Guard and they went and killed 207 cows belonging to one Alhaji Ibrahim and the matter was reported to the police
“The following day that the governor lied that herdsmen have burnt his farm. Fulani cannot burn grasses now because the grasses were yet to be dried up.
“It is not true that herdsmen burnt his farm, it seem to me Ortom is looking for another means to instigate another crisis. We are peacemakers and we are for peace, so we will not answer him.”
On the alleged killing of cows belonging to some herdsmen, Gololo said he had reported the matter to the police, but noted that the police have failed to make any arrest.
Reacting to Gololo’s claim in a telephone conversion, Terver Akase, Chief Press Secretary to Ortom said, “The law does not permit livestock guards to kill cows. Gololo is a liar from the pit of hell. He has lied because there is no issue of any dead cows. Even those that were impounded (by the livestock guards task force) were later released and no deaths recorded”.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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