Breaking: Ortom escapes assasination by Fulani herdsmen

Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom on Saturday escaped being killed by the gun-wielding Fulani herdsmen, save for his security details that engaged the assailants.

The herders opened fire on the governor’s entourage at Tyo Mu along Makurdi-Gboko Road.

Reports reaching CAPITAL POST said, herders in their numbers opened fire, but were repeled by the vigilant security details of the governor.

Speaking with newsmen on the attack, Governor Ortom said about 15 assailants trailed him to the river bank where he was on foot to inspect a farm.

The governor praised his six security details for responding quickly to the attack, repelling the assailants and providing cover for him to return to safety in his vehicles.

He said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, the police and DSS have mobilised to the forest between Tyo-Mu and Abinse where the armed herdsmen camped to comb the area.

He also called for the arrest and prosecution of the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

The group at a meeting in Yola reportedly called for Ortom’s assassination.

Ortom asked President Muhammadu Buhari and the security chiefs to expect a formal petition from his lawyers and move quickly to arrest the situation.

CAPITAL POST earlier reported how the Fulani socio-cultural group threatened attack on the governor at a meeting in Yola.