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…Wants Security Heightened Around Ex-Benue Governor
By Tracy Moses
MAKURDI – The Benue Advocacy Network (BAN) has urged Nigeria’s security agencies to immediately apprehend certain individuals, allegedly of Fulani extraction, who are being accused of plotting to assassinate the former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom.
The group also called for enhanced security protection for the former governor and his family, while warning Fulani elites and radical elements to desist from issuing threats against Ortom.
This was made known in a press statement issued on Monday in Makurdi and signed by BAN President, Enoch Ortese. The statement, titled “Persistent Fulani Threats Against Ortom: A Call for Urgent Action”, accused Fulani extremists of circulating threatening videos targeting the former governor.
Ortese appealed to security agencies to increase surveillance and deploy more personnel along the Makurdi-Lafia highway to forestall possible ambushes on Benue residents. He noted that Ortom’s only offense was his firm enforcement of the 2017 Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
According to Ortese, “We have come across several disturbing videos circulating on social media in which Fulani extremists are seen openly threatening the life of former Governor Ortom, blaming him for his role in resisting their plans while in office.
“These individuals have gone as far as boasting of their resolve to hunt him down, no matter how long it takes. In one such video, two self-proclaimed Fulani terrorists hurl insults at Chief Ortom and vow to kill him eventually.
“His only ‘crime,’ as they allege, was his unwavering commitment to defending the people of Benue and preventing the forceful occupation of their ancestral lands.”
Ortese insisted that the threats must not be ignored, stating, “The Fulani have a historical pattern of trailing targets with determination. But let it be known: Ortom is not alone. The entire Benue population stands with him, having fully supported the anti-open grazing law.
“No group holds the monopoly of threat and intimidation. Chief Ortom’s actions were the mandate of his people. He chose to defend Benue rather than accept bribes or lucrative promises from external interests. For that, we remain grateful and solidly behind him.”
He called on law enforcement to take swift action, saying, “We demand the immediate arrest of those who appeared in the threatening viral videos. Their social media handles provide a clear trail for security agencies to follow.
“We also urge the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to reinforce security around Chief Ortom and his family.
“At the same time, we warn Fulani leaders and radicals to put an end to these dangerous threats and issue a public apology for the prolonged profiling and intimidation of the former governor.”
Ortese further called for the deployment of armed forces to vulnerable spots along the Makurdi–Lafia axis, citing threats by Fulani terrorists targeting Tiv travelers.
He also appealed to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, to support efforts aimed at flushing out armed criminal groups taking refuge in forested areas along the Nasarawa-Benue border, from where attacks on Benue communities are allegedly being coordinated.
End.