RUGA: Why we attacked Ortom — FUNAM
By Ayo Fadimu
A group, The Fulani Nationality Movement, (FUNAM) has taken responsibility for the attack on the convoy of the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Umar Amir Shehu, the group said it acted on behalf of Millions of Fulani people in 15 countries
The group said Ortom stance against the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlements in Bunue State and described him as a person who has used his time and money, deployed in destroying the Fulani values and inheritance.
“Ortom has been leading the campaign against Fulani interests in the North. We have our operatives in all Southern States. Each will face our sword soon We state clearly, any state or individual that opposes RUGA will be confronted. Any State or individial that opposes ranching, we shall get you. Speak against ranching and RUGA even on the internet: Our Noiseless fighters shall find and fix you.”
However, the authenticity and the existence of the group cannot be verified as at the press time
However, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breaders Association (MACBAN) has distanced themselves from the attack on the governor.
The Benue State Chairman of MACBAN, Risku Mohammed, has exonerated the members of the Association from the attack on the convoy of the governor. Mohammed said, “If the governor was attacked when he went to his farm, the Fulani couldn’t have been responsible. They didn’t know he was going to farm so how could they have attacked him? It’s not the Fulani,” the MACBAN chairman stated.
In the meantime, the Inspector–General of Police (IGP) Muhammed Adamu on Sunday ordered the immediate deployment of a team of specialised investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Abuja to Benue State.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, the IGP said the deployment is to provide additional investigative support to Benue Police Command following the attack on Governor Samuel Ortom by suspected herders on his farm at Tyo-mu on the Makurdi-Gboko road on Saturday.
Adamu condemned the attack and equally directed the Benue State Commissioner of Police to take concrete measures towards strengthening and improving security in the State, particularly around the Governor.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered full-scale investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack and reported attempt on the life of the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Chief Samuel Loraer Ortom, at his farm in the outskirts of Makurdi, the State Capital, on Saturday, 20th March 2021.
“The IGP has also specifically directed the CP to carry out painstaking investigations into the incident and ensure the arrest and prosecution of persons indicted in the course of the investigations.
“Meanwhile, in order to ensure a speedy, thorough and conclusive investigation into the matter, the IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of a team of specialised investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Abuja to Benue State to provide additional investigative support to the Benue State Police Command,” Force image-maker.
Meanwhile Governor Ortom on Sunday gave thanks to God for saving him from attack by suspected herdsmen.
Speaking on Sunday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Signs and Wonders Mega Parish Makurdi, Ortom called on Nigerians with a good conscience to save the country from sliding into anarchy and lawlessness.
He decried what he described as the shielding of an ethnic group which he alleged is using its militia to attack perceived enemies in the country.
