Miyetti Allah not a terrorist group, says Baba-Ngelzerma
By Moses Okorie
A group has claimed responsibility for the Saturday attack on the convoy of Benue State governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, saying they will continue to push hard to ensure the governor is assassinated for standing against the interest of the Fulani nation by signing law banning open-grazing in the state.
The group under the auspices of Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) issued a statement saying, their intention is to kill the governor, and that he only escaped the assassination attempt due to slight technical communication error, but next time he will not be lucky.
According to a DAILY POST report, which quoted the writer of the statement, Umar Amir Shehu, “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. Ortom escaped today because of a slight technical communication error. Next time, he will not be lucky. We can assure him and his supporters.”
The statement entitled: “Why we attacked Ortom” reads: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports today speculating about who attacked the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.
“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 vengeance 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 Ortom and his collaborators: Wherever 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.
365Daily had reported that on Saturday herdsmen had attacked Ortom on his farm at Tyo-mu village, along Makurdi/Gboko road.
In a related development, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has distanced itself from the assassination attempt on Ortom.
Secretary-General of the association, Usman Baba-Ngelzerma, said on Monday, March 22, 2021, while speaking to newsmen, that the Miyetti Allah group is not a criminal organisation.
Ortom had accused Miyetti Allah of meeting in Yola to eliminate him.
The association, however, condemned the attack and urged relevant security agencies to investigate the matter.