IG Orders Probe Into Assassination Attempt On Ortom

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Sunday called for an investigation into the assassination attempt on the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, on Saturday.

Adamu condemned the attack on the Peoples Democratic Party Governor and ordered the Commissioner of Police in the state to take adequate measures towards strengthening and improving security in the state, particularly around the governor.

The Benue State Governor was at his farm with six security operatives when the unidentified gunmen numbering about 15 reportedly fired at them.

Ortom disclosed that his men returned the gunfire and spirited him to safety in his vehicle parked a few kilometres away.

He also accused the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of masterminding the attempted assassination.

The MACBAN had opposed the anti-open grazing law passed by the state government.

The spokesman of the police, Frank Mba, in a statement released on Sunday, said the IG has also directed the CP to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the attackers.

It was titled, ‘Attack on Governor Ortom of Benue State: IG orders full-scale investigations.’

The statement read, “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 specialized investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department, Abuja, to Benue State to provide additional investigative support to the Benue State Police Command.”

While calling for calm, Adamu assured the people of Benue State and the country at large that the Force would continue to do its best in stabilizing the security situation in the country.

He further reiterated that the Force would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to advance the fight against violent crimes and other criminal activities across the country.