ORTOM URGES BENUE YOUTHS TO SHUN POLITICAL VIOLENCE
By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The immediate past Governor of Benue State and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, has cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used as political thugs by desperate politicians.
Ortom gave the warning on Saturday during the burial of elder statesman and former Benue PDP Chairman, Aloysius Wuam, held in Mbagwaza, Ushongo Local Government Area of the state.
The former governor urged young people to resist any attempt to manipulate them into acts of violence against perceived political opponents.
According to him, any politician seeking to unleash violence on rivals should first present their own children to lead such attacks.
He also condemned the growing trend of disrupting church services and other public gatherings in parts of the state, warning that such actions could trigger avoidable crises if not urgently addressed.
Ortom, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, further noted that Benue communities were already suffering from widespread destruction and killings allegedly carried out by militant Fulani herdsmen.
He warned that the situation should not be worsened by unnecessary political conflicts as the 2027 general elections draw nearer.
The former governor also advised traditional rulers to refrain from partisan politics and remain neutral in order to effectively perform their role as custodians of culture and royal fathers of their people.
In his funeral oration, Ortom described the late Wuam as a man of outstanding character whose life was marked by dedication, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to justice, unity, and service.
He recalled their close working relationship, noting that the late party stalwart was calm, dependable, and deeply committed to teamwork and the collective progress of the PDP, adding that he served as a stabilizing force within the party.
In a condolence message, the Senate Minority Leader, Patrick Abba Moro, described the late Wuam as a committed public servant whose contributions to the political development of Benue State were significant.
He urged those aspiring to lead the state in 2027 to prioritize the interest of Benue above personal ambitions.
The Benue State Chairman of the PDP, Ezekiel Adaji, also noted that Wuam’s legacy of integrity, service, and mentorship would continue to inspire party members.
Other dignitaries who paid tribute at the funeral included the Tor Kwande, Ambrose Pine Iortyer, the member representing Mata State Constituency, Simon Gabo, and the Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, Emmanuel Udende, who was represented at the event.
Several governorship aspirants from both the PDP and the APC also delivered condolence messages.
They included Dennis Ityavyar, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), Pius Ukeyima Akuta Gbongbon, Dominic Ucha, Mathias Ibyuan, Joseph Tersoo Loko, Tor Uja, Nick Wende, Ochakiti Ogbenjua, and Peter TorTiv Ato.
The late Aloysius Wuam died on January 20, 2026, at the age of 91.
