The people of the Gbeji village in the Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State have rejected the condolence message sent to them by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, calling it as a farce over the recent herdmen killings in the area.
Following the attacks that claimed the lives of roughly 39 people—including two policemen—and left many others hospitalized, Alhaji Abubakar had sent the neighborhood a letter of sympathy.
“I’m pained by the ongoing hostilities between farmers and herders that have resulted in the loss of lives, including those of police officers in Gbeji community, Ukum LGA of Benue State,” the presidential contender wrote in the post.
“Our people would be required to return the love and acceptance if they were well integrated into the communities where they live, work, pay taxes, and raise their children. My sincere condolences go out to the Benue State residents and administration as well as any families who may have lost a loved one.
Elder Jonathan Gbeji, the eldest child of Gbeji and Market Overseer, rejected the sympathy letter and claimed it was intended to mock the community in a statement he signed on their behalf.
“We members of the Gbeji community are upset with the assertion by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that there was a farmers’ and herders’ battle in Gbeji which took lives including those of policemen,” read the message of rejection before leaders of the Gbeji community at RCM Primary School.
“Last Wednesday, October 19, 2022, saw an unprovoked attack on the populace in Gbeji by armed Fulani militants at around 6am.
“In Gbeji, the need for Alhaji Atiku to discuss integration does not exist because the assailants do not reside here. Many individuals came to see us after the unwarranted attack, including Senator Gabriel Suswam and other representatives from the National and State Assemblies, who also went to the mortuary and saw some of the remains of the dead.
“It is the height of insensitivity that Alhaji Atiku, who is meant to be the main bulwark of the Tiv people, the Zege Mule u Tiv, does not think people have been killed despite media reports and eyewitness testimony.
The least we might have expected at this point is for Alhaji Atiku to visit us or send aid to help with our humanitarian issues. The death toll has now reached 39, with several people still missing and others hospitalized.
“Anyone who is unable to assist us in our hour of need should not belittle us. As a result, we reject Alhaji Atiku’s statement, which we consider to be mocking.
