I Ran Kilometres To Escape Death – Gov Ortom
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has narrated how he ran for close to two kilometres after suspected armed herdsmen, numbering about 15, attacked him in his farm at Tyo-Mu community, near Makurdi, yesterday morning. The governor, who explained that the incident happened at about 11am, said it took the grace of God and the bravery of his security personnel to repel the attackers.
Ortom has been in the forefront of the fight against criminal herdsmen, claiming they had been killing his Benue people in their plot to take over their ancestral lands. He ensured a law was enacted by the state House of Assembly against open grazing of cattle in the state as cattle destruction of farmlands has been a source of conflict between native farmers and herdsmen. Ortom said “They came out with a statement singling me out as the only person who is creating problem for the entire Fulani race. And behind the scenes, i also heard that in the meeting, i was targeted for elimination, this was the information i got. That they will go after me either in my home,farm or wherever they could get me. But like i always say,my life is in the hands of God, not in the hands of any Fulani man or anybody whatsoever. And i still remain firm, i will fight for the truth,equity and fairness till when God permits that i will not be here again, then i will go.”
