By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
The dastardly attempt on the life of Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, last Saturday by armed herdsmen finally earned him an invitation to the country’s seat of power, Aso Rock, on Tuesday.
President Muhammadu Buhari met with Ortom in the State House, Abuja over the attempt on his life by gunmen.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting, Governor Ortom said he was pleased with President Buhari’s reaction to the development, adding that they shared ideas on how to manage the crisis trailing the development.
Ortom was ambushed by gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits along Tyo-MU Makurdi/Gboko road on Saturday. He was allegedly attacked by over 15 gun-wielding herdsmen while inspecting his farm near Makurdi. He escaped death narrowly.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, Ortom narrated how armed militia men, numbering about 15, advanced quickly towards his convoy with sophisticated weapons but were repelled by his security details.
He said the men, dressed in black, had trailed his convoy from the farm, adding that he had to run for dear life, trekking 1km to safety, while his security details engaged the bandits, who escaped into nearby bush.
There has been widespread condemnation since the incident.
