The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned vehemently Saturday’s reckless attack and assassination attempt on Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state by suspected bandits, reported to be killer herdsmen.
“The party calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to put machinery in motion by ordering an immediate manhunt, arrest and prosecution of the assailants and beef up security around the governor.
While expressing concern for the safety of the governor, the party blamed the Federal Government for its ineffectiveness in tackling the insecurity menace in the country.
“The PDP fears for the life of Governor Ortom and urged Nigerians to hold the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration responsible over its failure to take a decisive step to check the escalated insecurity and brazen attacks on innocent Nigerians.
The party expressed shock that the assailants trailed Governor Ortom and opened fire on him and his aides along Makurdi/Gboko road, in an attack that by every indication is aimed to assassinate the governor.
“Our party is worried that this brazen attempt at Governor Ortom’s life is coming on the heels of his outspokenness in exposing those allegedly behind the incessant attacks of communities in the state and demanding that the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility on the protection of life and property in the state.
Kola Ologbodiyan on behalf of the party, in the swift statement made Saturday, however encouraged Governor Ortom not to be deterred by the attack but to remain courageous and at alert, at all times while providing leadership to the people of his state.
He also called on the people of Benue State to be calm and vigilant while providing useful information to security agencies to flush bandits and criminal elements out of the state and other parts of the country.