Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has called on all indigenes of the state to brace up to lawfully defend themselves against the incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen.

Speaking in Makurdi during a radio programme tilted “Issue of the Moment”, on Tuesday, Governor Ortom said it was expedient for Benue people  to defend themselves legitimately so as not to become easy prey for the marauding killer herdsmen.

He noted that despite the presence of policemen in the state, attacks and killings were still going on in at least two local government.

He expressed dismay that the statements credited to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris that the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law was responsible for the new year attacks has emboldened the herdsmen to continue their attacks on indigenes of the state.

He said: “It is because we are law-abiding citizens, that is why we are being attacked daily. You need to listen and hear the opinion of the people of the state on the matter.

“I think the people should have the right to defend themselves and not make themselves easy prey to be killed in their homes. So, any lawful means you can adopt to defend yourself just go ahead. In Benue State, we are not going to wait for the Inspector General of Police, IGP, to do it.”

While commiserating with the families of police personnel who have been killed in the cause of carrying out their official duties in the state, Governor Ortom said it was unfortunate that the IGP was politicizing the issue while people are being killed.

He called for the resignation of IGP Ibrahim Idris as he has failed woefully in his responsibilities as, according to him,there are many other good police officers who could take over his job and perform creditably by turning around the security architecture of this country.