The immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has accused his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, of covering up alleged mass burials in the state to make it appear that the state is peaceful under his watch.

Ortom made the claim on Monday in response to Alia’s remarks at NKST Church, Ikpayongo, in the Gwer East Local Government Area on Sunday.

At the church, Alia accused Ortom’s administration of failing to tame incessant killings by armed herders.

Alia asserted that since he assumed office, the attacks and killings had stopped, bringing peace to the state.

The governor also alleged that mass killings were a daily occurrence under Ortom’s administration, whereas his tenure had restored normalcy across the state.

But responding in a statement on Monday by his media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom dismissed Alia’s claims, stating that mass burials have continued under the current administration, particularly in conflict-prone areas.

There have been countless mass burials under Alia’s administration due to attacks by herdsmen in Zones A, B, and C, notably in Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi, Agatu, Otukpo, and other parts of the state. This government is only attempting to conceal the truth about the killings and mass burials,” Ortom said.

He contrasted his leadership with Alia’s, stating that he had taken a firm stand against pastoralist expansion into Benue lands, despite threats and intimidation from the federal government during his tenure.

“His dogged stance eventually paid off, as many Nigerians came to understand his advocacy against open grazing. His administration enacted a law banning open grazing in Benue State, despite opposition from expansionist forces,” the statement added.

The former governor maintained that he had no regrets about his policies and advised Alia to focus on fulfilling his campaign promises instead of attacking his predecessor.

“Being a state governor is a temporary position. Tomorrow, he too will become a former governor. Ortom played his part and left the stage nearly two years ago. Governor Alia should focus on governance and delivering what he believes was lacking in the previous administration,” he said.