Ortom warns youths against thuggery, extortion

BENUE State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Wednesday, warned youths who paraded themselves as thugs to demand money from government contractors or individuals who embark on private projects in parts of the state to desist from the act or face arrest and prosecution.

He stated that the warning became necessary following reported cases of harassment of contractors on project sites recently by some youths in Makurdi.

Governor Ortom who issued the warning through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase emphasised that anyone found demanding money from a government contractor or private property developer will be apprehended and prosecuted.

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He reaffirmed the resolve of his administration to have zero tolerance for thuggery and other related acts of misconduct.

The Governor urged youths of the state to take advantage of the numerous empowerment programmes his administration has floated in agriculture and its partnership loan scheme with the Bank of Industry, to enable them engage in meaningful ventures.

Meanwhile, the Governor commiserated with his former Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Titus Zam, over the death of his son, master Emmanuel Zam.

Ortom described the death of the young man as very painful and a big loss to the entire Zam family, friends and relations.

He urged the former Adviser and his family to take solace in the fact that God is the giver of life to whom their beloved son has returned.

Governor Ortom in a statement by his press secretary Terver Akase prayed God to grant master Emmanuel Zam eternal rest and his family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.