Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has expressed outrage over what he described as ‘baseless and malicious’ accusations linking him and his government to the recent killings in Benue State allegedly by suspected herdsmen.
The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, during a press briefing held on Wednesday in Lafia, threatened legal action against the accusers if the statements are not retracted with a public apology.
Addra stated that the governor is deeply disturbed by the repeated claims from prominent sons and daughters of Benue, suggesting that Nasarawa State is shielding violent elements responsible for bloodshed across the border.
He singled out a viral video by a former Pro-Chancellor of Benue State University, Makurdi, Prof. Zachary Anger Gundu, who alleged that Governor Sule was masking the killings in Benue State and had “forcefully taken farmlands belonging to the Tiv people and handed them over to Fulani herdsmen.”
“We are dismayed that Prof. Gundu could stoop so low and throw caution to the wind by making such unsubstantiated and baseless allegations against the Governor,” Addra said.
He described the remarks as “malicious” and “reckless,” warning that unless Prof. Gundu retracts his statements and tenders an unreserved apology, legal steps would be taken against him.
Gov Sule Demands Evidence or Legal Redress
The governor’s office challenged the professor to provide verifiable evidence backing his claims.
Addra declared, “We challenge Prof. Gundu to prove his allegations with empirical evidence, detailing where the said killer herdsmen are being camped in Nasarawa State and the involvement of the Governor in such.
“Failure to prove these allegations, Governor Abdullahi Sule will institute legal actions against the former Pro-Chancellor and his co-travellers.”
Addra also reminded the public that Governor Sule, who serves as the Chairman of the North-Central Governors Forum, has consistently shown empathy and concern over the security challenges plaguing Benue and other parts of the region.
“It is on record that Governor Sule, in the spirit of brotherhood and good neighbourliness, has continued to demonstrate serious concern and empathy over the unfortunate killings in Benue,” he noted.
The Nasarawa State Government reiterated its commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and the security of all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity or religion, and cautioned against further politicisation of the tragic events in Benue State.