“Our intention is unequivocal: TO KILL HIM.”
Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM), a Fulani group has claimed responsibility for the assassination attempt on Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom saying their unequivocal intention was to kill him.
The group said it planned to kill Ortom on Saturday, but its plan suffered a setback due to a slight communication error.
In a statement titled “Why we attacked Ortom” by one Umar Amir Shehu, Ortom stood against open grazing and Fulani interest in the country.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports today 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 has used his time and money, deployed in destroying the Fulani values and inheritance.
“Our courageous fighters carried out this historic attack to send a great message to Ortum 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.
“Our intention is unequivocal: TO KILL HIM. That mission will one day be fulfilled and very soon too.”
“Eleven of FUNAM operatives were involved in the attack. Ortom escaped today because of a slight technical communication error. Nest time, he will not be lucky. We can assure him and his supporters.”
Some armed Fulani herdsmen had on Saturday attacked Ortom on his farm at Tyo-mu village, along Makurdi – Gboko road.
Governor Ortom, in his reaction to the incident, allegedly linked the assassination attempt to Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
The governor claimed that MACBAN had concluded plans to assassinate him over his position on open grazing.
Ortom alleged that the Myetti Allah took the decision to eliminate him during a meeting they organised recently in Yola.
He noted that his life is in the hands of the Supreme God and no Fulani man can kill him, said he received intelligence that the Association planned to kill his security aides and subsequently capture him alive.
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