Don’t politicise attack on me – Gov Ortom tells Nigerians

 

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has urged Nigerians not to politicise the recent armed attack on him by suspected militia herdsmen but treat it on the merit of the insecurity bedeviling the country.

Governor Ortom who briefed journalists on Monday at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi after an emergency security council meeting said everyone is part of the fight against insecurity and the earlier people treat security issues on its merit, the better.

He stated that the security council had reviewed the situation and decided that government would provide the political will while security agencies work assiduously to unmasked those behind the attack on the Governor last Saturday.

The Governor appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for ordering an investigation into the attack and various leaders in the country across political divides as well as traditional rulers and the clergy for showing solidarity with him since the incident occurred.

He reiterated his call on the Federal Government and security agencies to arrest and prosecute the leadership of Fulani Nationality Movement, FUNAM and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore for suspected complicity in various attacks in parts of the country.

Governor Ortom while also appreciating the Inspector General of Police for drafting a team to Benue to investigate the attack noted that his concern is to ensure justice, equity and fairness for all Nigerians.

The Governor rose from the security council meeting to address coalition of Benue Sociocultural Youth Organisations who protested to the Benue Peoples House to show solidarity with him on the recent attack.

Leaders of the various sociocultural youth groups as well as National Union of Benue Students, all pledged their support for the Governor, saying they would mobilise to protect the Governor if security agencies fail to perform their duties.

The youth groups warned that nobody has monopoly of violence in the country, adding that they cannot fold their hands and watch external aggressors takeover their land under the guise of open grazing.