By Godwin Edeh
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has ordered full-scale investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack and reported attempt on the life of the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and directs strengthening of security around him.
Governor Ortom was attacked by gunmen at his farm at Tyo-Mu, along Makurdi-Gboko road in Makurdi Local Government Area on Saturday.
The IGP, while condemning the incident, directed the Commissioner of Police (CP), Benue State Command, Audu Madaki to take adequate measures towards strengthening and improving security in the State, particularly around the governor.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, said that IGP Adamu has specifically directed the CP Benue State Command to carry out painstaking investigations into the incident and ensure the deployment of a team of specialized investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Abuja to Benue State to provide additional investigative support to the Benue State Police Command.
While calling for calm, the IGP has assured the people of Benue State and the country at large that the Force will continue to do its best in stabilising the security situation in the country.
IGP Adamu assured that the Force will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to advance the fight against violent crimes and other criminal activities across the country.
Relatedly, Commissioner of Police, Benue state Command, CP Audu Madaki has condemned the attack on Governor Samuel Ortom in his farm by suspected gunmen.
According to a release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Benue state Police Command, DSP Catherine Anene, he stated that, upon receipt of the information, a team of police officers were detailed to the scene to prevent further breakdown of law and order and carry out on the spot assessment of the crime scene.
CP 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.