A Fulani interest group has confirmed it was responsible for the assisination attempt on the life of the Benue State governor Samuel Ortom.
The group known as Fulani National Movement, FUNAM stated that the attack failed due to an error in communication.
Spokeperson on behalf of the group, in the person of Umar Amir, in a statement noted the reason for the attack; which he said was to kill him [Ortom] for standing against the Fulani interest.
The statement titled “Why we attack Ortom” reads:
“Our attention was drawn to the media on 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 had used his time and money, deployed in destroying the Fulani value and inheritance.
“Our courageous fighters carried out this historic attack to send a great message to Ortom and his collaborators: wherever you are, once you are against Fulani long term interest, we shall get you down. This is a clear warning, we hope those who took us for granted will get the indisputable message.
“Our intentions is unequivocal :TO KILL HIM. That mission will one day be fulfilled 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,” the group warned.
Governor Ortom escaped the assisination attempt on his life last Saturday along Makurdi-Gboko road to his farm.
Benue governor narrates ordeals on assassination attempt by herdsmen
The Governor had claimed that Miyetti Allah ( Kauta Hore) Cattle Breeders Association was responsible. He alleged that MACBAN had concluded plan to assasinate him over his position against open grazing.
He said, no Fulani man can kill him; that his life was in the hands of the Supreme God.
He added that, he received intelligence that the association planned to kill his security aides and subsequently capture him alive.
Lolo Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News
