By Abiola Olawale (The New Diplomat’s Southwest Bureau)
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has confirmed the attack on his convoy along Tyo-mu community in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Earlier on Saturday, unknown gunmen had reportedly opened fire on Ortom’s convoy along the Makurdi-Gboko highway.
Reacting to the incident, Ortom alleged that suspected Fulani herdsmen orchestrated the attack, stating that they had allegedly threatened to capture him.
Ortom made this revelation while speaking to the journalist in Makurdi, the State capital.
Recounting, the Governor said he was returning from his farm on Saturday when some suspected herdsmen dressed in black stormed out of bushes and started shooting at his convoy.
He however noted that his security men were able to foil the attack, adding that nobody was killed or injured.
The governor also revealed that efforts by his security men to capture the suspected herdsmen were unsuccessful as they escaped through the forest between Makurdi and Abinsi.
However, Ortom stated that the security agencies are already after them.
He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the newly appointed service chiefs to act swiftly on the insecurity situation in the state.
In his words, “It is normal for me as a farmer to go to my farm on Saturday. On my way back from my farm along Gboko road today, we started hearing gunshots. And we saw people dressed in black, they were Fulani herdsmen. They shot at us, but my security men were able to repel them, and we escaped unhurt. Nobody in my convoy was injured.
“From what I saw, they were more than 15 who came after us. They could be more than that. I heard I was targeted for elimination. This is not the first time. I heard intelligence report before now that they will kill my security men and capture me alive, then they will be killing me gradually. But, they have failed, they are not God and can’t kill me. They made attempt today (Saturday) but my security men repelled them, and they could not take me. I’m not going to subject myself to any intimidation whatsoever. I don’t have problem with Fulani as a race, but I have problem with Fulani who are bandits. My people and I will not be slave to them. If I can go to my farm as a governor with all my security men, then who else can go to farm in the state? Mr. President has said those found with AK47 should be shot at sight but I’m yet to see that happen. I call on the security agencies to fish them out. They are in the forest between Makurdi and Abinsi across the river. They are trying to eliminate me, and I have not done them any evil. They want to take over our land and I said no. I’m not a second-class citizen to anyone in this country. I can never compromise my fight for equity, justice and fair play. The anti-open grazing law of Benue state can never be repealed – that’s what my people said. If at all it is reviewed, then it would be an increment of fines for offenders.”
It would be recalled that Ortom had at several times aired his opinion on the alleged criminal activities of the Fulani herdsmen across the country.
Ortom had also announced that his administration will no longer negotiate or grant amnesty to criminals under any guise in the state.
Recently, Ortom and Bala Mohammad, Governor of Bauchi State engaged in war of words in the media over the use of AK-47 by herdsmen.
Mohammed was of the opinion that no Fulani herders should be allowed to own AK-47 rifles in a bid to defend themselves, while Ortom criticised his counterpart for making case for herders who have been alleged of perpetrating killings, kidnapping, among others.
However, the acrimonious relationship between the two governors have been settled, following the intervention of Nyesom Wike, Governor of River State.
Recall also that Miyetti Allah, had criticized Ortom for stating that herdsmen should not be allowed to carry AK-47 rifles.
This was contained in a statement released by the association during the outburst between Ortom and Mohammed.
The association commended Mohammed, describing him as the only voice that has risen in defence of the fulani herders, while they condemned Ortom, describing him as a weak leader.
