…. As TIVs bemoan Atiku’s insensitivity over killings in Benue by kinsmen
By Ogechi Okorie
Abuja (Precise Post) – The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 general election and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has thanked the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom for the warmth hospitality and reception extended to him and his delegation.
Atiku who was in Benue State with his delegation in continuation of consultation ahead of the 2023 general election, described the visit as homecoming.
He expressed appreciation on Sunday when he took to his Twitter handle and said:
“Today was like a homecoming for me and my delegation in Benue. Thank you, Governor Samuel Ortom, for the warmth of your hospitality and reception.”
Precise Post recalls that Atiku Abubakar holds one of the most prized chieftaincy title of ‘Zege Mule U Tiv’ (The Shelter of Tiv) people.
However, some Benue indigenes, particularly the TIV People have expressed anger over comments credited to Atiku. The former Vice President is quoted to have promised to review the anti-open grazing laws in some states for compatibility with the Nigerian Constitution.
They also accused Atiku of not showing sympathy to the killings of the Tiv people by his kinsmen, the Fulani. They alleged that he is not known to have visited, personally or in representative capacity or sent relief materials to the thousands of displaced people scattered all over Tiv land or even publicly speaking against the carnage visited on Tiv people and the entire Benue state by the Fulani herdsmen.
They further said they find the decision of Atiku, the ‘Zege Mule U Tiv’ not only shocking and curious but also a sign that all Fulani’s have a single agenda. It doesn’t matter which party they belong to.
