Former governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom has urged youths in the state to shun violence and resist any attempt by politicians to use them as thugs ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former governor made the appeal at the weekend during the burial of former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Pary (PDP), Aloysius Wuam, in Mbagwaza, Ushongo Local Government Area of the state.

Ortom warned youths not to allow themselves to be manipulated to attack political opponents, insisting that anyone who wants violence against rivals should first present their own children to lead such attacks.

The former governor also condemned the growing disruption of church services and other public gatherings, warning that such actions portend avoidable danger if not checked.

He noted that Benue was already overwhelmed and devastated by destruction and killings caused by invading militant Fulani herdsmen, warning against compounding the situation with unnecessary political crises as the 2027 elections approach.

The PDP BoT member urged traditional rulers to stay out of politics and uphold their lawful role to serve as neutral royal fathers and custodians of the people’s culture.

Also speaking minority leader of the Senate, Dr. Abba Moro described the late Wuam as a committed public servant whose contributions to the political development of the state remained remarkable.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the funeral including Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), Dr. Pius Akuta, Rev. Tor Uja, described the deceased as a politician with a difference who during his lifetime showed no discrimination against political opponents.