Governor Samuel Ortom has demanded a national address from President Muhammadu Buhari, calling on him to take decisive actions against terrorists and other criminal elements ravaging Nigeria.

This is just as Mr Ortom confirmed an attack on Abagena Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Makurdi by suspected herders, leaving seven persons dead and many others injured.

Mr Ortom stated this when he visited the camp, where the IDPs were already protesting the attack by blocking the Makurdi-Lafia road.

The governor said the attacks had become unacceptable.

He added that more than 70 people were killed in Guma, Makurdi, and Gwer West local government areas in the last two weeks.

“You have all seen what is happening within the last two weeks. We have lost over 70 people in Guma, Makurdi, and Gwer West LGAs alone, in addition to what you have seen here.

“Many are in the hospital apart from the seven that were killed. But I want to say that our patience is being overstretched in spite of our preaching of the rule of law and due process. You can see that the people are fed up.”

Mr Ortom urged President Muhammadu Buhari to take full responsibility for the country’s security challenges as he is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

He also called on other governors to wake up and challenge Mr Buhari to address the country’s ongoing insecurity in the country.

Mr Ortom insisted, “Mr President must rise up. He is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He has taken the oath of office to secure and protect lives and property. This (attack) is not acceptable. This cannot continue.” 

He added, “Mr President must rise up and address the nation. My colleagues, the governors must rise and impress on the president to call a security summit, if possible, to declare a state of emergency on security so that all hands will be on deck to address the situation in the country.”