APC Speaks On Attempt On Ortom’s Life

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the assassination attempt on the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.

Recall that armed herdsmen attacked the governor’s convoy while on a visit to a farm on Saturday at Tyo Mu community along Makurdi-Gboko road.

Ortom confirmed that he almost lost his life while speaking with newsmen after the incident. He narrated that the gunmen, numbering about 15, trailed him and his team to a riverbank when he was on foot before launching the attack.

However, a shadowy group, the Fulani Nationality Movement has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Benue governor.

In a statement on Sunday, signed by one Umar Shehu, the group said that a technical error aided the governor’s escape, adding that he would not escape next time.

Condemning the attack in a statement on Sunday, the APC expressed gratitude to God for keeping the governor safe and sparing his life.

The statement signed by the APC National Secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, asked Nigerians to collaborate to end criminality in all forms.

APC also praised the dutiful security details for repelling the attack and advised politicians not to politicise the attack in any way, saying that a crime is a crime.

The statement read in parts:  “We thank God for his safety and praise the dutiful security details for repelling the attack.

“The APC reiterates that we must all collaborate to end criminality in all forms. A crime is a crime and should not be politicised in any way.”

Meanwhile, the Arewa Youth Federation (AYF) has asked Governor Ortom to provide proof that he was attacked by Fulani herdsmen.

Speaking with Daily Trust, AYF President, Adamu Kabir Matazu, wondered how Ortom arrived at that conclusion.

He said: “We’ve seen attacks even against governors like was seen in the Boko Haram attack on Borno Governor Babagana Zulum and there was evidence.

“But Ortom did not provide any evidence. Criminals come from all segments of the society, and there was not any evidence that he was attacked let alone by Fulani herdsmen.”