TheCable

Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue state, has alleged that herdsmen are planning to kill him.

The governor made the allegation during an interactive session with the church, traditional institution and some stakeholders in Makurdi, the state capital, on Friday.

Ortom said he received intelligence report that herdsmen who are currently occupying parts of Guma local government area of the state, were already hatching plans to attack him along the Abuja-Lafia road.

“The armed herdsmen, according to the intelligence report, would ensure that all my security aides were killed, after which they would kidnap and torture me before killing me,” he said.

“Already, I have reported the matter to the police and other security agencies and they are aware of this.

“Therefore, anytime my spirit doesn’t allow me to travel by road, I would call flight operators. But, just a few days ago, the federal government issued a circular directing that no flight should land in Makurdi airport again.”

He described the killings across the country as an attempt to prevent the electorate from voting for leaders of their choice.

Ortom has been having a running battle with Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, umbrella body for herdsmen, since he signed the anti-grazing bill into law.