By JOHN ONAH, Abuja-
The Middlebelt Journalists Forum (MBJF) had called for an immediate investigation into the attack on the convoy of the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, who was on his way from farm near Gboko.
In a press statement issued in Abuja by the President of the Middle Belt Journalists Forum, Jonathan Ipaa and National Secretary, Mrs Oikeke Igado Kure, said the attack on the governor is an attack on the voice of reason in the conspiracy of silence which has allowed some armed lawless people unleash a reign of terror holding the country hostage.
According to the forum, it is on record that Governor Ortom is a vocal advocate of equity, fairness and justice, and against the lawlessness of of some armed herders who have not only killed,maimed but also turned many into Internally displaced persons, IDPs and dislodged them from their ancestral land.
The MBJF said Governor Ortom speaks for all Nigerians who have been forced fully uprooted from their land and should therefore be commended and supported.
Part of the statement said: “We are also worried that a person of the Governor’s standing with all the paraphernalia of security could be so easily attacked”.
“This is indicative of the further breakdown of Security in the country. The Federal Government must justify the huge spending on security as citizens are now sitting ducks for criminal elements”.
“It is surprising that with the sophistication in security, the Federal Government is yet to deploy technology in fighting crime and criminality thereby making Nigerians vulnerable”.
“The MBJF demand immediate investigation to apprehend and bring those who attacked Governor Ortom and those killing and making other Nigerians miserable”.
“Citizens are encouraged to provide security agencies with relevant information to snuff out criminal elements in our midst”.
“This is because the criminals do not respect tribe or religion as we are all victims”.
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