Assassination attempt on Gov Ortom: Time to retrieve Nigeria or bid her bye

The life threatening attack that Gov. Samuel Ortom suffered last Saturday may not come as a surprise to many. What may be shocking however is the inability of the federal government to check the dwindling security situations in the country which appears to have hit an uncontrollable situation at the moment
Reports indicate that the Benue governor was attacked while in a convoy as he was returning from his farm 20kms into the Benue capital. The assassination attempt no doubt has attracted wide spread global condemnation.

Curiously, a social media report has indicated that a Fulani group identified as Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The account stated that the group in a press statement indicated that their intention was to kill the outspoken governor because according to them “Ortom stands against Fulani interests in Nigeria and opposes ranching”

It would be recalled that the Benue number one citizen has been strident in condemning the herdsmen attack on his state and enacted an anti-open grazing law which has limited their operations in their state.
Not too long ago, the governor minced no words in accusing the federal government that its body language supported the actions of the criminal herders. He has queried why the government has turned a blind eye as they wield the AK-47 guns which run contrary to police law on illegal possession of fire arms.

The bold attempt to take the life of a sitting governor is a reflection of the audacity of the herdsmen to occupy and own Nigeria. At no time in the history of this country has the Fulani as an ethnic group been so daring than under the regime of President Mohammadu Buhari. We recall that under the government of erstwhile presidents Shehu Shagari and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Nigeria had peace.

The situation has left doubts in the mind of Nigerians if there is a connection between the state and the incessant unending security challenges in the country notwithstanding the huge resources committed into the crime fighting.
The attack on Ortom is a big national embarrassment. It is also not the first time a sitting governor has been so attacked in this regime. The governor of Borno State has twice escaped death when his convoy was equally swooped on.

News Echo frowns at this rude experiences and wishes to further expose the porous nature of our security system. This has the implication of further scaring foreign investors to come to do business here in Nigeria. If the men in power are not protected by the state the security of ordinary man in the street is much more impaired.

With each passing day the mounting security challenges from every corner of the country have continued to separate Nigeria from itself while those in authority whose responsibility it is to quell the situation have continued to chase rats. There is very strong apprehension that the parting of ways among the ethnic groups is imminent because there are strong pointers that has cast doubts on the existence of any government as at present in this country.
We can only but repeat our calls that the federal government should listen to the voice of reason and wisdom and rise to the challenge to retrieve Nigeria now before it becomes too late. It is only a demonstration of sincerity to the cause that can make this possible.