Ortom Clarifies Criticism of Buhari’s Security Handling, Denies Hatred

 Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom on July 22, 2025, clarified that his criticisms of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s security policies were not born of hatred but concern over poor execution. 

Speaking at a community event, Ortom, who led Benue from 2015 to 2023, cited 1,200 farmer-herder conflict deaths in 2022 as evidence of neglect, contrasting with Buhari’s claim of a 70% security improvement. He praised Buhari’s intent but faulted the 2019–2023 strategy, which allocated ₦3 trillion to defense yet saw 15,000 displaced in Benue.

Buhari’s administration touted military operations like Operation Safe Haven, reducing incidents by 30% per defense ministry data, but critics like Ortom argue rural areas remained unprotected. The government labeled his stance political, given his PDP affiliation, while supporters see it as accountability.

The narrative reflects a divide: official optimism versus lived experience, with no independent audit to settle the debate, leaving Ortom’s critique as a personal perspective amid ongoing insecurity.