By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Masev community under the auspices of Masev Development Association (MDA) have taken a different position with the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia over the massacre of the community members in Wa-ndoo Mbakyor, Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area of the state.
The President General of the association, Professor Vearumun Tarhule, who spoke to NATIONAL ACCORD in Makurdi, informed that the community was not happy with the position of the Governor who told the world that the people of the community rustled cattle and were even selling some.
Professor Tarhule, who had addressed a press conference the previous day, noted that the Governor was misinformed on the issue, pointing out that there was no clear evidence to support the allegation.
The university don revealed that the people of Masev were law abiding and the attackers came without any form of provocation to attack the armless people and kill them.
He maintained that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law was being implemented in the state as the fourteen day ultimatum had elapsed insisting also that the condemnation by the Governor was not right as the herdsmen under the law had not right to graze openly on their land.
The MDA President General, who regarded the statement by the Governor condoling the community as a mere political statement, reminded the Governor to enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law to ensure that those in animals husbandry ranch their animals.
According to him, it was the constitutional responsibility of Governor Alia to secure the lives of Benue people, not for him to be threading blame, offering excuses which even children will not believe, and consequently playing politics with the lives of Benue People.
The National Executive Council of the Masev Development Association, Tarhule revealed convened an emergency meeting, and have resolved to vehemently reject and challenge the unsubstantiated, biased, and premature conclusions drawn by the Governor.
“It is evident that the rushed judgment lacks due process, fairness, and adherence to principles of justice.”
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