Why We Tried to Kill Ortom, Militia Group Claims Responsibility for Attack on Nigerian Governor

- Reactions have continued to trail the gun attack on Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state

- A shadowy group called FUNAM has made an official statement about the incident

- The group justified the assault on the Nigerian governor

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A group known as the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state.

According to PM News, the shadowy group in a statement by one Umar Amir Shehu said the attack was an assassination attempt on the governor.

FUNAM claimed that it carried out the assault as revenge for the governor’s actions against the Fulani people.

It said 11 of its members executed that raid, noting that the governor escaped because of a slight technical communication error.

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Assassination attempt: PDP governors describe attack on Ortom as ‘invitation to anarchy’

FUNAM said:

“Our courageous fighters carried out this historic attack to send a great message to Ortom 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.''

The group also threatened to sponsor attacks on Ortom, any state or individual that opposes the implementation of Rural Grazing Area (RUGA).

However, Legit.ng could not ascertain if FUNAM exists in reality or whether the statement emanated from a fifth columnist group.

Meanwhile, Governors elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reacted to the attack on the life of Governor Samuel Ortom.

They disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday, March 21.

The statement which was signed by Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, chairman of the forum and Sokoto state governor said any attempt to harm any Nigerian is an attempt on all, The Cable reported.

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Benue: Fish out sponsors of attack on Ortom, northern governors to security agencies

In another report, Adamu, Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has ordered a full-scale investigation surrounding the attack and alleged attempt on the life of Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom.

This was made known in a series of tweets via the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Twitter account on Sunday, March 21.

While condemning the ugly incident, Adamu directed the Benue commissioner of police to beef up security in the state most especially around the governor.

Kess Ewubare is a senior political/current affairs correspondent at Legit.ng. He has both a BSc and a Master’s degree in mass communication. He has over 10 years experience working in several fields of mass communication including radio, TV, newspaper, and online. He can be reached via email at kess2099@gmail.com.

Source: Legit.ng