A Fulani group has said today it was responsible for the attempted assassination of Governor Samuel Ortom, of Benue State.
In a press statement, in which Ortom’s name was badly misspelt multiple times, the group claimed to be protecting Fulani interest, said its aim was to kill Ortom.
Abacityblog.com had reported that Governor Ortom said the gunmen who attacked his convoy were armed Herdsmen.
According to him, their aim was to assassinate him for speaking against the activities of the killer herdsmen.
Reacting to Ortom’s statement, the Fulani group known as FUNAM – vowed to get the governor ultimately because Ortom, as it claimed, stands against Fulani interest.
“Our courageous fighters carried out this historic attack to send a great message to Ortum and his collaborators”, the group claimed in a statement signed by Umar Amir Shehu.
“Where ever you are, once you are against Fulani long term interest, we shall get you down.
“This is a clear warning. We hope those who take us for granted will get the indisputable message.
“Our intention is unequivocal: TO KILL HIM. That mission will one day be fulfilled and very soon too”.
Apart from threatening Ortom, the group also sent weird warning to southern states, saying its assailants are coming for them too.
“We warn collaborators working against Fulani people across Nigeria: WE SHALL GET YOU irrespective of your hidden place,” part of the statement said.
Read FUNAM’s full statement below:
Why we attacked Orton: THE FUNAM STATEMENT
Our attention has been drawn to media reports today speculating about who attacked the Governor of Benue State,Samuel Orton
Yes. Yes We did. The Fulani Nationality Movement, ( FUNAM) carried out the attack. We have genuine reasons. We acted on behalf of Millions of Fulani people in 15 countries.
It’s a case of veangeance against an infidel who has used his time and money, deployed in destroying the Fulani values and inheritance.
Our courageous fighters carried out this historic attack to send a great message to Ortum and his collaborators: Where ever you are, once you are against Fulani long term interest, we shall get you down. This is a clear warning. We hope those who take us for granted will get the indisputable message.
Our intention is unequivocal: TO KILL HIM. That mission will one day be fulfilled and very soon too.
Eleven of FUNAM operatives were involved in the attack. Ortum excaped(sic) today because of a slight technical communication error. Nest time, he will not be lucky. We can assure him and his supporters
Ortom has been leading the campaign against Fulani interests in the North. We have our operatives in all Southern States. Each will face our sword soon.
We warn collaborators working against Fulani people across Nigeria: WE SHALL GET YOU irrespective of your hidden place.
We state clearly, any state or individual that opposes RUGA will be confronted. Any State or individial(sic) that opposes ranching, we shall get you. Speak against ranching and RUGA even on the internet: Our Noiseless fighters shall find and fix you.
In the next few months, FUNAM will carry out attacks on strategic human and material assets of States and Non State groups or individuals known for their anti-Fulani campaigns.
We shall hunt you down in your houses, in your work places, in your car, in your streets. It’s a matter of time
Signed
Umar Amir Shehu
March 20/2021
