Ortom: Why I called for release of Kanu, Igboho

 •Says things getting worse 

Rose Ejembi, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has said he might end up becoming a freedom fighter like Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho after leaving office in 2023.

He dropped the hint while briefing newsmen at the new Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi. He  flayed the Federal Government for failing in its core responsibility of protecting the lives of citizens, saying “things are getting worse in Nigeria.”

He said his call for the release of Kalu, Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Igboho, Yoruba agitation leader, during his visit to the United Kingdom and the United States was because Kalu and Igboho were freedom fighters, like him,  and not bandits.  “They should stop harassing Kanu and Igboho because these are freedom fighters. If tomorrow, I leave office and decide to become a freedom fighter for my people, nobody should harass me,” Ortom said.

He said his visit to the two countries was to correct the wrong narratives by the Federal Government that the crisis in Benue State was caused by climate change. He said leaders of the two countries were surprised to learn that the attacks were beyond what they had been told.

“Even during the rainy season, the Fulani herders come to our communities to kill, maim and rape our women and even our men. These Fulani come from Niger, Senegal, Mauritania and other places. They only use that as a shield; their main reason for the attacks is the occupation of our lands. I also called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho who are freedom fighters while they give amnesty to bandits.”