The House of Representatives has raised serious concern about the terrifying security situations in the country following the recent attack on the Benue State Governor, Ortom by some unknown hoodlums. They said the situation is becoming alarmingly worrisome.
The House Of Representatives Member Hon. Kpam Jimin Sokpo, alongside others, moved a motion of urgent national importance on the attack on the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
Rep. Sokpo was worried that on Saturday, March 20, 2021, some gunmen opened fire on the convoy of the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom. He said the armed attackers, numbering over 15, trailed the governor to his farm.
He said it was disturbing that since the attack, several media have been awash with reports that a group identified as Fulani group, was identified as being responsible.
He noted with delight the response of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, in condemning the attack and his subsequent directive for the police to conduct a thorough investigation on the attack. He also noted the IGP’s effort to investigate the incident.
He, therefore, prayed that the House should condemn the armed attack and assassination attempt on Governor Samuel Ortom.
He also prayed that the House should commend the President for his prompt response in ordering for the investigation on the incident.
He said the House should call on the DSS and the police to investigate claims of responsibility by one Umar Kabir Shehu.
Contributing, Minority Leader, Rep. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu said “it may sound very funny and very interesting that often we come here to talk about insecurity. It’s becoming very worrisome. Part of the reasons that our people sent us here is to have dividends of democracy.
He noted that if care was not taken, Nigerians may import commodities like cassava as farmers in the villages could no longer go to their farms due to fear of attacks.
He said the president had directed that anybody seen with an AK47 should be shot at sight, but he has yet to hear that anybody was shot, noting that if a governor could be attacked, then the rest of Nigerians are in danger.
“This House should take a decisive action on this matter. I wish to beg that we support this motion. It’s something that we should be worried about,” he said.
On his part, Rep. Samson Okwu said the motion was a very important one because it has to do with the security of the people and a governor of a state, saying “If a governor can be attacked that way, I wonder what happens to the ordinary citizens.”
He said those that have been given the mandate to purchase arms have failed to come and testify before a committee of the House, noting that the motion was timely and called on the entire House to support it.
Motion was put to voice vote and passed.
