Ortom: Reps ask DSS to probe Shehu Amir Shehu, Fulani National Movement

Members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate one Umar Amir Shehu who claimed responsibility on behalf of Fulani National Movement (FUNAM) on the assassination attempt on Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State.

Meanwhile, the House commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his response and immediately ordering an investigation into the attacks on Governor Ortom.

The resolution was passed after robust debate on a motion titled: “Armed attack and assassination attempt on Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and the worsening spate of insecurity in Nigeria”, sponsored by Hon. Kpam Jimin Sokpo, Hon. Mark Gbillah and nine Benue State Caucus members in the House.

Some of the lawmakers who spoke during the debate including Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumlu and Hon. Samson Okwu, expressed displeasure over the plight of the electorate who cannot sleep with their eyes closed.

While calling for proactive steps in tackling insecurity challenges facing the country, Hon. Elumelu argued that if care is not taken, Nigeria may have to resort to the importation of staple foods such as cassava, garri, yam and corn as farmers can no longer to their farms.

The minority leader who condemned a situation where bandits have more sophisticated weapons than the Armed Forces, observed that farmlands have been taken over by killer herdsmen and not much had been to apprehend them.

In his lead debate, Hon. Sokpo who observed that the armed attackers, numbering over 15 wielded sophisticated weapons and dressed in black, had trailed the governor from the farm but were repelled by the security detail attached to the governor.

While soliciting for the House intervention, he frowned at the worsening spate of violent crimes and insecurity across the country ranging from cultism, armed robbery, armed herdsmen attacks, armed bandit attacks, armed militia attacks, Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism.

“The House is further disturbed about the inflammatory statements attributed to this group, who have publicly declared ‘their unequivocal intention and mission to kill the governor, his collaborators and whoever is against the Fulani long term interest as a case of vengeance against an infidel’ who in their own words, ‘has used his time and resources, and deployed same in destroying the values and inheritance of the Fulani.’

“The House takes cognizance of the response by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari in condemning the armed attack and assassination attempt on Governor Samuel Ortom, and his subsequent directive for the Police to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the attack.”

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