Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu has ordered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and reported attempt on the life of Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom.
About 15 gunmen on Saturday opened fire on Mr Ortom at his farm in the outskirts of Makurdi. They were, however, repelled by six of Ortom’s security aides who were with him at the time.
The governor said his men returned the gunfire and spirited him to safety in his vehicle parked a few kilometres away.
The IG condemned the incident, and equally directed the Benue police commissioner to take adequate measures towards strengthening and improving security in the state, particularly around the governor.
“The IGP has also specifically directed the CP to carry out painstaking investigations into the incident and ensure the arrest and prosecution of persons indicted in the course of the investigations,” a statement on Sunday by Force spokesman Frank Mba said.
“Meanwhile, in order to ensure a speedy, thorough and conclusive investigation into the matter, the IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of a team of specialized investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department, Abuja, to Benue State to provide additional investigative support to the Benue State Police Command.”
While calling for calm, Adamu assured the people of Benue State and the country at large that the Force would continue to do its best in stabilizing the security situation in the country.
He further reiterated that the Force would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to advance the fight against violent crimes and other criminal activities across the country.
Ortom accused the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of masterminding the attempted assassination.
The association had opposed the anti-open grazing law passed by the state government.
