Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has canceled his planned 64th birthday celebration in honor of the scores of victims who lost their lives in recent attacks by suspected armed herdsmen across parts of Benue State. Ortom, in a somber message released on Thursday, expressed deep sorrow over the killings and described the development as a tragedy that calls for national reflection and urgent government intervention.

The former governor, known for his strong stance on security and defense of the Benue Valley, said it would be insensitive to engage in any form of celebration while families are grieving the loss of their loved ones. His birthday, originally scheduled to be marked quietly on April 23, was to involve a prayer session and visits to select communities. These plans have now been shelved.

A Birthday Shadowed by Grief

In his statement issued in Makurdi and made available to newsmen by his media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom said the killings in several local government areas over the past week had thrown the state into mourning. He noted that over 50 people were reportedly killed, with many others injured and displaced in the coordinated attacks.

“No one with a conscience would choose to celebrate at a time like this,” Ortom stated. “My thoughts are with the bereaved families. My heart bleeds for the innocent men, women, and children whose lives were cut short by the evil actions of these invaders.”

Ortom described the resurgence of attacks as a painful reminder that the security of lives and properties in the state remains fragile and requires urgent federal attention. He called on the Federal Government to rise beyond political affiliations and make the safety of Nigerians a national priority.

Renewed Call for Security Reinforcement

During his tenure as governor, Ortom was known for repeatedly calling out the Federal Government over its handling of the farmer-herder crisis in the Middle Belt, and especially in Benue. He championed the Anti-Open Grazing Law, which he said was necessary to protect the people and their farmlands from violent invasions.

In his Thursday message, Ortom reiterated his earlier calls for better arming and funding of local security outfits, such as the Benue State Livestock Guards and Community Volunteer Guards, to help combat the continuous onslaught.

“This cannot continue. Our communities are under siege, and the people feel abandoned,” Ortom said. “Government at all levels must rise to the occasion. We cannot watch as our people are wiped out.”

He also urged the military and police to launch intensified patrols in vulnerable communities and establish more forward-operating bases in high-risk areas to deter further attacks.

Victims’ Families Call for Justice

The most recent wave of attacks reportedly occurred in Guma, Gwer West, and Ukum Local Government Areas, with gunmen suspected to be armed herders unleashing violence in a series of coordinated raids. Survivors who spoke to local reporters recounted horrific scenes of destruction, including razed homes, mass killings, and forced displacement.

Local traditional rulers and community leaders have condemned the attacks, calling on the government to bring the perpetrators to justice. Many internally displaced persons (IDPs) have taken refuge in makeshift camps with little access to food, medical care, or security.

A Day of Mourning

In lieu of celebration, Ortom has called for a state-wide day of mourning in solidarity with the grieving families. He encouraged religious bodies and civil society groups to hold prayer sessions for the souls of the departed and for peace to return to the region.

“I urge churches, mosques, and concerned citizens to lift our state in prayer,” he said. “We must not lose hope, even in this dark hour. Benue shall rise again.”

Ortom’s decision to forgo his birthday celebration has drawn praise from various quarters, with many describing it as an act of empathy and leadership.

Public Reactions

Civil society groups, political allies, and ordinary citizens have taken to social media to commend Ortom’s gesture. Hashtags such as #OrtomMourns and #BenueUnderAttack began trending, as netizens shared their condolences and called for more decisive government action.

Benue Youth Alliance (BYA) in a statement said, “Governor Ortom has shown once again that he stands with the people in times of sorrow. We urge other leaders to show the same level of concern and commitment.”

Looking Ahead

As Benue continues to grapple with the humanitarian and security challenges posed by the herdsmen crisis, stakeholders are urging both federal and state authorities to revisit long-term solutions, including the implementation of ranching policies, conflict resolution strategies, and rural development initiatives to mitigate tensions between herders and farmers.

For now, Ortom’s 64th birthday will pass not with fanfare, but with solemn prayers and deep reflection over lives lost—and the urgent need to prevent further bloodshed.