Ortom Attack: Reps urge DSS to investigate Fulani group

The House of Representatives has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the group, Fulani National Movement (FUNAM), for claiming responsibility for the assassination attempt on Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.

The House reached the resolution following a motion on the “Armed Attack and Assassination attempt on Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and the worsening spate of Insecurity in Nigeria.” sponsored by Rep. Kpam Jimin Sokpo representing Buruku Federal Constituency of Benue State and 11 others.

While presenting his motion, Rep. Kpam Jimin Sokpo raised concerns about the worsening spate of violent crimes and insecurity across the country ranging from cultism, armed robbery, armed herdsmen attacks, armed bandit attacks, armed militia attacks, Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism.

He expressed worries that on Saturday, 20th March 2021, gunmen suspected to be killer herders, ambushed and opened gunfire on the convoy of the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom at Tyo-Mu Community, a distance of fewer than 20 kilometres from Makurdi, the state capital.

Sokpo said he was disturbed that since the attack, several media have been awash with reports that a group identified as Fulani National Movement (FUNAM) has, through one Umar Amir Shehu, claimed responsibility for the dastardly attack, and reportedly justified its attempt on the life of the Benue State Governor.

He was miffed by the inflammatory statements attributed to the group, who have publicly declared their unequivocal intention and mission to kill the Governor, his collaborators and whoever is against the Fulani’s long-term interest as a case of vengeance against an infidel.

Sokpo praised President Muhammadu Buhari for condemning the armed attack and his subsequent directive to the Police for a thorough and transparent investigation into the attack.

Sokpo also acknowledged the directives of the Inspector General of Police and immediate deployment of FCID to Benue State for a thorough investigation of the incidence.

He expressed fears that the assassination attempt on Governor Ortom is an invitation to anarchy and a glaring indication that the nation is drifting into a state of full-scale lawlessness.

Also Read: President Buhari Condemns Attack on Benue State Governor

In his contribution to the motion, the Minority Leader, Rep. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu (PDP-Delta), warned that if the violent herdsmen were not stopped as fast as possible, Nigeria may soon, begin to import basic foods like Cassava.

“If care is not taken, we will soon be importing yams, cassava and garri into the country, to feed our people, because our people in the grassroots are no longer going to their farms, because of attacks from herdsmen,” he warned.

In adopting all the arguments, the House collectively condemned the armed attack and assassination attempt on Governor Samuel Ortom.

The House commended President Buhari for his prompt response and for immediately ordering an investigation into the attacks on Governor Samuel Ortom.

It also resolved to call on the Department of State Services and Nigeria Police to investigate claims of responsibility on the attack as well as other threats and statements allegedly attributed to one Umar Amir Shehu and the Fulani National Movement (FUNAM).

The House urged all Nigerians of good conscience and law-abiding citizens to keep faith in the indivisibility, unity and sovereignty of the nation.

Zainab Sa’id