Muhammad Salisu
The Northern Governors Forum, NGF, on Friday, condoled with the Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom over the death of 35 church worshipers as well as casualties recorded following an explosion by a petroleum tanker in the state.
The NGF Chairman, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, in a condolence letter, urged Mr Ortom to rise above the anguish and provocation the dual incidents might have generated in the hearts of government and the people of the state.
According to the letter, signed by Governor Lalong’s deputy director of press and public affairs, Solomon Gujor, said the Northern governors were deeply touched and have prayed that the Almighty God should show mercy to the souls of those who died in the two unfortunate incidents.
“The Northern Governors Forum has condoled with one of their own, Governor Samuel Ortom and the good people of Benue State over the gruesome murder of 25 church worshipers last Sunday morning while participating in the Church service at Okoko village of Agatu local government of the state,” it said.
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According to Mr Lalong, it was regrettable that at a time they taught lasting peace had returned to the state, unknown gunmen could storm villages in Agatu council to commit such crime of unimaginable magnitude.
The governor, therefore, urged Mr Ortom to rise above the anguish and provocation these two incidents have generated in the hearts of Government and people of Benue State.”
Mr Lalong said, “in the midst of saddening recurring human tragedies, Governor Ortom should take the bull by the horn by providing leadership that brings hope to a despondent people of his state.
“The Northern Governors were deeply touched and have prayed that the Almighty God show mercy to the souls of those who died in the two unfortunate incidents in Benue state,” the governor added.
