The Fulani National Movement (FUNAM) has reportedly claimed its members were behind the failed attempt to assassinate the governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, at the weekend.
FUNAM, in a statement by one Umar Amir, noted that the attempt on Ortom’s life failed due to a communication error, PM News reports.
The group, in the statement titled “Why we attacked Ortom”, vowed not to relent until the Governor is eliminated for standing against Fulani interests.
The statement read:
“Our attention has been drawn to media reports speculating about who attacked the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.
“Yes. Yes, We did. The Fulani Nationality Movement, (FUNAM) carried out the attack. We have genuine reasons. We acted on behalf of Millions of Fulani people in 15 countries.
“It’s a case of vengeance against an infidel who has used his time and money, deployed in destroying the Fulani values and inheritance.
“Our courageous fighters carried out this historic attack to send a great message to Ortum and his collaborators: Where ever you are, once you are against Fulani long-term interest, we shall get you down. This is a clear warning. We hope those who take us for granted will get the indisputable message.
“Our intention is unequivocal: TO KILL HIM. That mission will one day be fulfilled and very soon too.”
“Eleven of FUNAM operatives were involved in the attack. Ortom escaped today because of a slight technical communication error. Next time, he will not be lucky. We can assure him and his supporters.”
WuzupNigeria reports that suspected herdsmen had attacked Ortom on his farm at Tyo-mu village, along Makurdi – Gboko road.
After the attack, the governor said he ran over 1.5km to escape from the gunmen. He also linked the attempt on his life to Miyetti Allah (Kauta Hore) Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.
The governor claimed that MACBAN had concluded plans to assassinate him over his position on open grazing.
Ortom alleged that the Myetti Allah took the decision to eliminate him during a meeting they organised recently in Yola. He noted that his life is in the hands of the Supreme God and no Fulani man can kill him. He said he received intelligence that the Association planned to kill his security aides and subsequently capture him alive.
Meanwhile, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Sunday, ordered security agencies to carry out an “open and transparent” investigation into the Saturday attack on Ortom.
The directive was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled “President Buhari condemns attack on Governor Samuel Ortom, orders thorough, transparent investigation.”
Shehu quoted the President as directing that all those linked to the attack should be made to face the law.
“Let there be open and transparent investigation and whoever is linked to it should be caught and be made to face the law,” the President reportedly directed.
Ortom has been a strong voice against open grazing and carrying of arms by Fulani Herdsmen. He has instead, advocated ranching as a modern and better method of animal husbandry.
