28th June, 2025
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has revealed that his predecessor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, were not on speaking terms due to accusations surrounding the alleged harbouring of criminal herdsmen in Nasarawa.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Governor Sule dismissed the claims that Nasarawa State was harbouring criminal elements, describing the allegations as baseless.
“The problem comes with the terminology of harbouring and things like that because there is nothing like that. Nasarawa doesn’t even have enough Fulanis that we can say it is harbouring anybody,” Sule stated.
He added that Nasarawa is already grappling with its own internal challenges and has no interest in becoming entangled in issues concerning criminal herdsmen. “Nasarawa is not known for that. Anything that has to do with dairies or cattle, we don’t do that because Nasarawa has enough problems of its own. So, why would Nasarawa be interested in harbouring anybody?” he said.
The governor explained that upon assuming office in 2019, he discovered a strained relationship between his predecessor and Governor Ortom, rooted in mutual accusations over security concerns.
“I went to Governor Ortom to say, what is really happening between you and my predecessor? He said it’s because of this and that, and I said okay, calm down. I am willing to sit down with you to find a solution,” Governor Sule recounted.
The disclosure comes amid ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where clashes between farmers and herders have led to widespread displacement and insecurity.
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