Benue killings: Lalong quoted out of context, says group

                                  

Plateau Regeneration Group, says that governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State was quoted out of context on his comments over the killings in Benue State.

Mr Badung Chuhwak, spokesperson for the group while briefing newsmen on Friday in Jos said that Lalong did not mean to cause more pains to Benue people.

Lalong, during an interview with state house correspondents in Abuja said that he had warned Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue against implementing the Anti Open Grazing Law.

The group however maintained that Lalong was only speaking about the alternatives to open grazing. 

According to the group, Lalong is an advocate of ranching and would support any initiative by the Federal Government to end herders/farmers clashes including cattle colonies.

The group apologised to the government and people of Benue State for the misrepresentation of the governor in the media.

Similarly, Lalong’s media team had issued a statement to clarify the governor’s comments.

The statement which was signed by Mr Emmanuel Nanle, Director of Press to the Governor, said that the governor would always show solidarity with his Benue State counterpart.

“The governor has expressed his deepest sympathy in a phone conversation with Governor Ortom.
“He gave assurances of the prayers of the people of Plateau for God’s comfort to the bereaved families, and for the repose of the souls of all those killed in the wake of the attack,” it said.