This is a Declaration of War, Middle Belt Forum Issues Warning over Attack on Nigerian Governor
- The Middle Belt Forum has reacted to a recent security incident experienced by the Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom
- The group disclosed why it is displeased over the investigation of the matter
- The attack on Ortom attracted widespread condemnation from Nigerians
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The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has described the recent gun attack on Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State as a declaration of war.
Vanguard reported that the (MBF) in a statement on Sunday, April 4, alleged that the attack was carried out by Fulani affiliated bandits.
Source: Twitter
The statement which was signed by the national president of the MBF, Dr. Pogu Bitrus; and chairman of the elders’ council of MBF, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman (retd), claimed that the Miyetti Kyauta Hore masterminded the attack on Ortom.
The organisation criticised the security agents for failing to arrest those who attempted to harm the governor.
According to The Punch, the forum said it is prepared to sever links with Arewa groups in the region and form alliances with other groups.
It said:
“Indigenous peoples of the Niger Area and Benue Valley hereby give notice that it is no longer comfortable in the unhappy marriage for the convenience of the Arewa and is ready and prepared to forge ahead as an entity of its own or in alliance with other groups/regions who are prepared to cast off the chains of Fulani hegemony.”
The MBF argued that investigating a crime whose perpetrators are known is not enough response from the federal government.
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The organisation also alleged that the attack on Ortom was aimed at overwhelming the governor and the entire democratic structure in Benue state.
It commended the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for condemning the attack on Ortom.
In another news report, Pastor Tunde Bakare on Sunday, April 4, said President Muhammadu Buhari’s shoot-on-sight order has not proved sufficient to ease attacks in the north.
The founder and general overseer of Citadel Global Community Church in a series of tweets to commemorate the 2021 Easter celebrations lamented over the activities of bandits cattle rustlers, and herdsmen in the northern part of the country.
The popular cleric explained that in spite of the president’s controversial order for illegal bearers of AK-47 guns to be shot the attacks have not reduced.
Source: Legit.ng
