The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has ordered full-scale investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack and reported attempt on the life of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State.
The Force Police Public Relations Officer (FPPRO), Mr Frank Mba, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Orton was reportedly attacked on Saturday in his farm at the outskirts of Makurdi, the state capital.
Mba said that the IGP condemned the incident and directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of Benue to strengthen and improve security in the state, particularly around the Governor.
He said that the IGP had also directed the CP to carry out painstaking investigations into the incident and ensure the arrest and prosecution of persons indicted in the course of the investigations.
According to him, to ensure a speedy, thorough and conclusive investigations into the matter, the IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of a team of specialised investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID).
He said that the deployment was to provide additional investigative support to the Police Command in Benue.
Mba called for calm and pledged the commitment of the Force to continue to do its best in stabilising the security situation in the country.
He said that the force would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to advance the fight against violent crimes and other criminal activities across the country.
Meanwhile, the Benue Police Command, in a statement by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, confirmed that investigation had started into the alleged attack on Ortom, which took place on Saturday at Abua Village, Gboko Road, Makurdi.
According to Anene, the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Madaki, while condemning the alleged attack on the governor, also ordered full investigation into the matter.
“On Saturday March 20, at about 1200hrs, a distress call was received from one of the police officers deployed as escort to the governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom.
“He said that, while on escort duty with the governor to his farm located at Abua Village, Gboko road, Makurdi, some armed men numbering about 15 came out from the bush and started shooting sporadically at His Excellency’s entourage.
“He stated further that they were able to repel the attackers and secure the governor back to Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, unhurt.
“Upon receipt of this information, a team of police officers was detailed to the scene to prevent further breakdown of law and order and on the spot assessment of the crime scene.
“Madaki while condemning the unprovoked attack on the governor, commended officers who were involved in the gun duel for bravery and ordered an investigation into the case.
“The CP added that such lawlessness cannot be condoned in Benue State under his watch,” Anene said.
