Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has alleged a threat to his life as he said his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, should be held responsible if anything should happen to him.
Governor Ortom made the accusation while briefing journalists in Makurdi, Benue State capital, on Monday, February 22.
His accusation comes barely a week after Governor Mohammed accused him of being behind the hatred against Fulanis in Nigeria. Governor Mohammed also threw his weight behind herdsmen who go around carrying AK47 rifles.
Speaking at the press conference, Governor Ortom accused Governor Mohammed of supporting illegal arms wielding foreign-herdsmen.
“I want to think that, with what he said and what those herdsmen wrote to me and said that they were going to assassinate me, Bala Mohammed is also part of it, with what he has said.
“And if anything happens to me, I don’t want anybody to be in doubt, Bala Mohammed should be held responsible. Especially his last week outing after the condemnable remarks he made about Fulani carrying AK-47 and living anywhere in Nigeria.
“He came back to say Ortom is responsible for the hatred against Fulani men and I regard this as a way of vilifying me and profiling me towards assassination. He wants to instigate the Fulani people against me. I am not against Fulani people, they are in Benue State and they remain here,” Ortom said.
He called on Governor Mohammed to render an unreserved apology to Nigerians for the comment which has been condemned by many Nigerians.
“I think the governor of Bauchi State, my brother, Governor Bala Mohammed should just come out and apologise to Nigerians,” Governor Ortom said.
