A Benue-based advocacy group has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of herder-extremists who recently issued violent threats against former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, in viral videos circulating on social media.
The Benue Advocacy Network (BAN), led by President Enoch Bemshima Ortese, expressed grave concern over the assassination threats in a statement issued on Sunday, describing them as "reckless, deliberate incitement to violence" and demanding swift action from Nigeria's security agencies.
Disturbing Threats Captured on Video
The viral videos feature suspected herders openly boasting about their desire to eliminate Ortom. In one clip, two armed men can be seen hurling insults and declaring: "If we had killed this man, Benue would have been at peace... God, please push this one our way; let's finish him."
Another individual in the video accused Ortom of being the cause of Benue's problems, comparing him unfavorably with the current state governor.
"These individuals are not faceless. They posted these threats on their social media handles. The Nigeria Police and DSS have the tools to track and apprehend them immediately," Ortese stated.
Root Cause of Tensions
BAN traced the root of these threats to Ortom's firm stance against open grazing during his tenure as governor and his refusal to repeal the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017.
"We want to remind these extremists that Ortom did what any responsible leader would do, protect his people and their land. He owes no apology to terrorists," the group added.
Five Key Demands
The Benue Advocacy Network issued five key demands to the government:
Immediate arrest of those who issued the online threats
Enhanced security for Chief Ortom and his family
Public apology from Fulani elites who have profiled and targeted Ortom
Deployment of security forces to flashpoints like the Makurdi-Lafia Road
Support from Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule in flushing out militants from border communities
"The descendants of Usman Dan Fodio are patient hunters. But this time, they must be told, we are ready. All of Benue stands behind Ortom," BAN warned in their statement.
The threats against Ortom come amid ongoing tensions in Benue State, which has experienced numerous deadly clashes between farmers and herders over the years.
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