Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has pledged to intensify dialogue to resolve the protracted crisis between Benue farmers and Fulani herdsmen.

He made the pledge on Friday evening during a courtesy visit to him by the leadership of Miyyetti Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria in Makurdi.

The governor said although he was personally affected by the crisis, he would not procure and supply arms to Benue people to retaliate the loss suffered by farmers in the crises but would seek lasting solution by promoting dialogue between the parties.

Ortom, who said ranches remained the best way to permanently tackle the challenge, said they were a long-term measure.

He said farmers and herders must acknowledge and respect the rights of each other and promote peaceful coexistence, while seeking redress for wrongs through legal means.

The governor stated that he had identified criminals within the two groups as promoters of the conflict and had met with the Inspector General of Police to assist in fishing them out.

He said after separate meetings with the Tiv and Idoma traditional councils, he would convene a meeting with cattle breeders to further deliberate on the matter.

Ortom said he had set up machinery to dialogue with those who possessed illegal arms in the state, adding that he had given those possessing such arms three months to surrender their weapons or face the wrath of the law enforcement agencies.