Ortom cautions against politicizing attempts on his life

From: Uche Moron, Makurdi

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has warned against politicizing last weekend attempt on his life by armed Fulani herdsmen, maintaining that Nigeria is sick and sitting in a keg of gun powder.
The Governor who said this yesterday while briefing newsmen after the State Security Council meeting held at Government House, Makurdi averred that no one knows whose turn it could be next time, recalling that only recently, his Borno State counterpart Zulum was attacked by armed men.
Ortom intimated that he is writing a formal petition to the Presidency to arrest members of Fulani Nationality Movement, FUNAM and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore who have claimed responsibility for the attack.
“Two weeks ago, these groups met at Yola, Adamawa State and singled me out to be eliminated. I have enough evidence against them. I do not have any problem with the Fulani. All am fighting for is equity and justice and I will never give up on this.
“If peace means I and my people will be denied their rights to have and carry on our lives activities and if it means there will injustice and unfairness, I will continue to voice out. I will never repeal the law. It will continue to be enforced”, he insisted.
He lauded the Presidency, the Inspector -General of Police,IGP as well as the array of groups including Nigeria Govenors’ Forum, PDP Governors’ Forum, APC Governors” Forum, National leadership of PDP and APC, the media, the traditional institution and Christians as well as meaning Nigeria for their show of concern and solidarity.
Ortom expressed optimism in the ability of the IGP team to do their job and fish put the perpetrators, adding that on their own part, they have set up a panel to assist the State Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident.
In the same vein, a coalition of Youth Group namely National Union of Benue State Students, NUBESS, Mzough U Tiv and Tiv Youth Organization, TYO carried placards with inscription ,’Proscribe Herdsmen Terrorist Now’, Benue will not bow, Benue will not fall, ‘We demand justice, we insist on ranching ‘, ‘Governor Ortom continue speaking to condemn the attempt on Governor Ortom’s life.
Leaders of the groups urged the President and National Assembly to act swiftly on the matter as they will not fold their arms and watch anyone attempt to take over or kill the Governor.