The Presidency has insisted President Muhammadu Buhari takes his security duty seriously amid claims by Governor Samuel Ortom and millions of Nigeria that Mr Buhari is inept.

Mr Buhari expressed disappointment and sadness over accusations levelled against him by Mr Ortom following the recent killing of soldiers and innocent citizens in Benue.

The president’s media aide, Garba Shehu, stated this in a statement in Abuja.

According to him, no responsible government takes pleasure in such events as killing the military and innocent citizens taking refuge in an Internally Displaced People’s camp.

Mr Shehu said the president was pained by the terrible acts of violence happening in Benue and other parts of the country.

The presidential aide said, “The lives of fellow citizens should not be desecrated by deploying them in political diatribe, which unfortunately appeared to be the intent of the string of emotional attacks and blame laid at the doors of the president for those killings by Governor Ortom.

“President Buhari took an oath to defend the life and property of every citizen, a duty he takes seriously and is committed to ensuring.

“Those citizens, regardless of their affiliations, who either incite, sponsor, or are proven to be abettors of these atrocities will face the law squarely and be answerable for their crimes against our fellow citizens and nation.”

Mr Shehu reassured that Mr Buhari would continue to keep security, police, and the armed forces on their toes to be on top of their game in troubled parts of the country.

He said the president condemned the rising crime rate in the country, especially the killings and kidnaps, calling for further collaboration with security agencies to curb it.

(NAN)