Ortom condemns kidnap of four priests in Delta

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom

GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State yesterday condemned the kidnap of four Catholic Priests by suspected herdsmen in Umutu/Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State and described it as ‘barbaric, dehumanising and shameful.

In a statement made by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Terver Akase, Ortom expressed shock over the attack on harmless clergymen.

He wondered why priest become targets of attacks and stressed that the motive of the perpetrators was clearly beyond mere grazing of cattle.

The governor said that the people of Benue State were still mourning the killing of two Catholic Priests and 17 worshippers by herdsmen in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area of the State, earlier this year.

He urged the security agencies to act swiftly to ensure the release of the kidnapped priests in Delta State.

He called on other Nigerians to rise in condemnation of persistent attacks on innocent people, particularly the current spate of violence against the clergy.

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The governor stated that the resolve of herdsmen to sack communities and claim ancestral lands belonging to the people is threatening the existence of Nigeria.

The statement further said, “the governor activities of armed herdsmen, if not checked, will affect the smooth conduct of the 2019 elections in parts of the country.

Governor Ortom said that the government and people of Benue State are standing in prayers with the Catholic Dioceses of Benin, Warri and Abuja where the four abducted priests came from.