The Fulani Socio-cultural group, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore on Sunday denied allegation by the Benue governor, Samuel Ortom that its militia arm attempted to assassinate him on Saturday.
While condemning the attack, the association explained that the time its members were provoked through ban on open grazing State policy has passed, hence, its members were not those that attempted Benue governor’s assasination.
Bello Bodejo, President of the association stated this on Sunday, while he urged security agencies to carry out thorough investigation on the matter and unravel the true state of the situation and apprehend thkse behind the act.
Bodejonsaid,nope grazing law has forced majority of Fulani out of Benue with those who stayed back passing through persecution.
He said: “Our people massively moved out of Benue to other locations because of persistent persecution as well as physical and verbal attacks on them. Any Fulani person in Benue today is either passing by or went to supply cattle to the state.
Bodejo lamented that pleas to the governor for reversal of anti-grazing law fell on deaf ears.
“Unfortunately the governor has refused to reverse the law after several appeals from different quarters. On our own, we decided to approached the Court and we are expecting favorable pronouncement on the matter.”
He further accused the governor of nursing animosity against Fulani herders.
“The governor has openly displayed his hatred for Fulani people in several occasions but that not stop us from seeking ways to build peace and public confidence, and strengthen the fragile unity and tolerance among the people.
He charged the governor to be considerate in his administration, as he’s not governor for only Tiv people who are major tribe in the state but for all tribes who are resident in the state and are contributing to the socioeconomic development of the state.
