The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has condemned the attack on Governor Samuel Ortom’s convoy by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Naija News had reported that Ortom confirmed that he almost lost his life during an attack on Saturday by some gunmen he described as herdsmen.
The Governor who spoke with newsmen after the incident, narrated that the gunmen, numbering about 15, trailed him and his team to a riverbank when he was on foot before launching the attack.
Ortom’s convoy was attacked along Makurdi/Gboko road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue but his security team repelled the attack and whisked the Governor to safety.
Reacting in a statement by the NGF Chairman, Kayode Fayemi, warned that any attempt to make Benue state ungovernable is unacceptable and will fail woefully.
While describing the attack as “shocking and a rude awakening”, the Ekiti governor recalled that the brother of a former governor of the state was recently killed by gunmen, adding that such violence must be brought to an end.
“All hands must be on deck to uncover the identities of those involved in this heinous crime,” the statement reads.
“The NGF wishes to state categorically that the attempt to make Benue State ungovernable is unacceptable and will fail woefully.
“Only recently the brother of one of the former governors of the state was mowed down in cold blood. This dishonourable and shameful act of resorting to violence, for whatever reason, to eliminate citizens of Benue State by brutal means must not continue.”
“Evil will not be allowed to triumph over good, not in Benue and not anywhere in this country”.
“While all governors will continue to pray for Governor Ortom, the NGF wishes to draw the attention of all evil doers that not only will they continue to fail in their wicked acts, but they will also definitely be traced and punished for their crimes, no matter how long it takes,” it reads.
“Once again, the NGF prays for Governor Ortom and wishes him long life as his safety and that of all the people of Benue State continue to be paramount to the NGF,” the statement added.