The Kwande bloc comprising of Kwande and Ushongo Local Government Areas of Benue State have cried out over their marginalisation in terms of security of lives and properties and political patronage.
They made their feelings known when the Kwande Stakeholders, through a delegation of both the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, paid a solidarity visit on the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom, at his Makurdi residence yesterday.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hon Barr Vincent Uji ( APC, Kwande) and Chief Atsaga Anemba ( PDP, Ushongo) both explained that the people have continued to be under siege by herdsmen who are killing and destroying their properties.
They also lamented the lack of representation in governance and provision of infrastructural development to the people of the area.
According to them, the visit was to show solidarity with the former governor for acknowledging and recognising the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Distinguished Senator George Akume as the political Leader of the North Central Nigeria.
The Kwande leaders pleaded with him to support President Bola Tinubu, through the SGF and Governor Hyacinth Alia on their resolve to end the herdsmen menace in the State and support the Kwande interest in feature endeavours.
They explained that the geo- political group has resolved to work in unity, not minding their party affiliations, for the peace and development of the area and urged other sections of Tiv land to emulate their action for a stronger nationhood.
Responding, the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom said he was impressed by their visit and the resolve for unity of purpose and promised that he would do everything possible to protect the interest of Kwande whenever he is called upon.
He recalled the contributions of Kwande people to his political exploits saying 2027 would be the time to pay them back as he has promised not to run for any elective office but give support to his political allies.
According to him, Kwande people have contributed greatly to the development and peace of Tiv nation and Benue State at large with little to appreciate them but urged them to remain patient, prayerful for their aspirations maintaining that God’s appointed time will come.
He called on the people to continue to pray for leadership at all levels so that God will give leaders the graces desired to govern aright.
Dr Ortom however advised them to consult with the SGF who is their political leader to have a direction for their future endeavours.
He used the opportunity to condole with the APC chieftain, Hon Barr Vincent Uji, over the death of his wife and prayed God to give Hon Barr Uji the grace to bear the loss.
The Kwande delegation dressed Dr Ortom and his wife Eunice Ortom ( in absentia) in Tiv traditional attire as part of the show of solidarity.
