The convoy of Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue was attacked on Tuesday by suspected herdsmen on his way to Guma Local Government Area of the state.
Mr. Suswam was visiting the council on a fact finding mission following the continuous invasion of the area by hoodlums.
The governor’s convoy was also attacked by the hoodlums at Tse-Akenyi and this led to an exchange of gun shots between Mr. Suswam’s security guards and the herdsmen.
Mr. Suswam, who visited the people at Gbajimba, the council headquarters, to sympathise with them, said that the situation was disturbing.
He added that people must defend themselves if the security operatives failed to do their job.
“I salute each and every one of you for your courage and steadfastness throughout this period. This is beyond the herdsmen, this is real war.
“On my way to this place, they exchanged gun shots with us for over one hour before we were able to come here.
“My people are being killed, butchered and their homes destroyed. So, if the security agents, especially the military, cannot provide security for us we will defend ourselves.
“I cannot abandon you people at this point in time to die. You voted me to provide security for you and that I must do that for you.
“These Fulani are not like the real Fulanis we used to know.
“Please return to your homes and defend your land, do not allow anybody to make you slaves in your home land,’’ he said.
In his speech, the council Chairman, Frank Adi, condemned the continuous killings of his people and destruction of their homes by the herdsmen.
Mr. Adi, who was represented by his deputy, Godwin Viashima, appealed to the government to provide them with security operatives for the purpose of safe guarding the citizens.
(NAN)