Attack on Ortom: Group calls for arrest of Fulani leaders

A group under aegis of “League of Friends” has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu to immediately arrest, interrogate and possibly prosecute leaders of Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore and that of Fulani Nationalist Movement, FUNAM, for continuously accepting responsibility over attacks and killing of thousands of Benue people and other helpless Nigerians.

The group in a Press Statement signed by it’s Chairman, Dr. Frank Kyungun and Secretary, Vincent Shagbaor said they
were in complete alignment with the position of Governor Samuel Ortom that the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, the Fulani Nationality Movement and other extremist groups fanning the embers of disunity and violence in the country must be arrested having owned up to the criminal acts in Benue as well as for their continuous threats against Governor Ortom and the peace-loving people of Benue State.

While condemning the recent attack on Governor Ortom on his farm at Tyo- Mu, a suburb of Makurdi metropolis, the group expressed shock over the continuous silence of President Buhari against the backdrop of the provocative utterances of these Fulani leaders, noting that the silence of Mr. President could be interpreted as giving tacit support to the unwholesome activities of the herdsmen association who don’t mean well for the security and safety of Nigerians and the unity of the country.

The group warned that the peaceful and very accommodating posture of Benue people who occupy a strategic position in their God given land in the Benue Valley to visitors and those doing business legitimately must not be misconstrued as weakness and taken for granted as nobody has monopoly of violence.

“We give God the glory and we deeply appreciate His continued protection over the Governor, his family and people of Benue State.

“We also appreciate God Almighty that our friend and brother, Hon. Abrahams Kwaghngu along with the Governor’s security details escaped the dastardly ambush unhurt. We equally commend the gallantry, professionalism and diligence of security men attached to the Governor whose timely response repelled the blood thirsty assassins from achieving their aim,” the group noted.

While restating their unflinching loyalty and support to Governor Samuel Ortom, the group urged the Governor to remain firm and resolute in the face of persecution saying,”though the giants may be on the way to hinder, God will surely give Governor Ortom and the Benue people victory.”