Benue youths protest assassination attempt on Governor Ortom's life
- The attempt on the life of Ortom has sparked protest in Benue
- According to reports, the youths marched through major road in the state capital
- Recall that Ortom narrowly escaped death when his convoy was attacked
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Some youths in Benue have on Monday, March 22, staged a peaceful protest over attempt by suspected herdsmen to assassinate Governor Samuel Ortom.
The protesters marched through major roads in Makurdi, the state capital before heading for the Government House, The Nation reports.
Recall that the governor nearly lost his life recently when armed herders reportedly opened fire on his convoy at Tyo-Mu community in the outskirts of Makurdi town, along Makurdi-Gboko road.
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Meanwhile, Ortom has been asked to produce evidence that he was actually attacked on Saturday, March 20, by Fulani herdsmen.
The challenge was put forward by the Arewa Youth Federation (AYF), a socio-cultural group of northern origin.
Adamu Kabir Matazu, AYF's president, who spoke with Daily Trust on Sunday, March 21, expressed shock that the Benue governor arrived at this conclusion without evidence.
In another report, a group known as the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) had reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy of Ortom.
The group in a statement by one Umar Amir Shehu said the attack was an assassination attempt on the governor.
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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.
It 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."
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Aanu Adegun is a politics and current affairs content editor at Legit.ng with over 7 years of experience in both digital and traditional media. A graduate of English Studies from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo state, Aanu started his journalism career as a features writer. Aanu, who is also a creative writer has written books and children magazines. He once anchored some specialised pages of a national newspaper. Aanu is also a satirist.
Source: Legit.ng
