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The Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase to the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has confirmed that the governor was truly attacked.
In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Akase confirmed clarify that Ortom did no made up the story to seek attention. He added that the governor ran over one kilometre to escape the attack on him.
He added: “Governor Ortom didn’t make up the story. The attack indeed occurred. Security agencies have also confirmed that there was an assassination attempt on the governor. Why will the governor use a matter involving life to seek attention? Which attention, by the way?”
He said: “Yes, he ran over a kilometre back to the place where the vehicles were parked.
According to Akase, Ortom is a farmer and being a governor does not stop him from farming. He said the incident happened on their way back from the farm.
Akase explains: “Let me say that Governor Ortom is a farmer, and his being governor doesn’t stop him from visiting his farm often.
“ Last weekend was one of those visits to his farm around Tyo-Mu near the banks of River Benue. The terrain there from the Makurdi-Gboko road to the farm is not good for vehicles to access.
“He had to park his convoy vehicles and move to the area by foot accompanied by his personal assistant and security aides.
“The area where the farm is located is towards River Benue and the terrain is not accessible by vehicles. So, they had to go on foot to the farm. On their way back, they ran into the ambush.
“The security men with him did a wonderful job of repelling the attacks to protect him.
“ Yes, it was the gallantry of the security around him that saved the day. We give God the glory.
“The assailants did not overpower his security aides. So, the question of whether he went to the farm with limited security men answers the question.”
Akase also confirmed in the interview that the Benue State Government yesterday said Ortom will cooperate with the special investigators sent to probe the attempt on his life which happen over the weekend.
Kaase said: “The governor is yet to meet with the investigators. We are expecting them. The governor has expressed willingness to meet with them. He gave assurance that the Benue State Government will fully support the investigation.
