Benue Advocacy Network demands arrest of Fulani extremists threatening Ortom’s life

The Benue Advocacy Network (BAN) has called on security agencies to arrest individuals who appeared in viral videos threatening to assassinate former Governor Samuel Ortom over his resistance to Fulani expansion in Benue State.

The group described the threats as “credible and persistent,” citing the long history of animosity between Ortom and Fulani socio-political groups since the passage of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in 2017.

“Enough is enough. The Inspector General of Police and the DSS must act fast. The men who appeared in these videos are identifiable and traceable.

“Their threats are not idle; Ortom has survived at least one assassination attempt already,” said BAN President Enoch Bemshima Ortese.

In a press release, BAN listed several Fulani-linked statements and actions over the years, including:

The May 2017 vow by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore to mobilize fighters across West Africa against Benue.

MACBAN’s public rejection of anti-grazing laws and demand for a repeal.

FUNAM’s 2018 threat that Ortom must be “eliminated for peace to reign in Benue.”

The group also referenced the March 2021 assassination attempt on Ortom near Makurdi, which FUNAM claimed responsibility for. “Next time, he will not be so lucky,” FUNAM warned in its statement then.

BAN’s five-point demand includes:

1. Arrest and prosecution of the individuals behind the new threats.

2. Immediate security reinforcement for Ortom and his family.

3. Public apology from Fulani elites and groups for years of hate speech.

4. Security deployment along volatile routes like the Makurdi–Lafia corridor.

5. Collaboration from the Nasarawa State government to flush out terrorists in border communities.

The group concluded: “Chief Ortom owes no apologies.

“He stood for his people, rejected bribes and blackmail, and today, millions of Benue citizens stand behind him. No threat will break our resolve.”