Unknown gunmen have opened fire on the convoy of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue was along Tyomu community in Makurdi Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon along Makurdi-Gboko highway when Mr Ortom was returning from Gboko.
Witnesses said there was heavy exchange of gunfire between the attackers and the governor’s security guards.
Addressing journalists after surviving the attack at the Benue People’s House, Makurdi, Mr Ortom said armed militiamen, numbering about 15, advanced quickly towards his convoy with sophisticated weapons but were repelled by his security details.
He said the men, dressed in black, had trailed his convoy from the farm.
Mr Ortom said he had to run for dear life while his security details engaged the bandits who escaped into the nearby bushes.
“I will continue to fight for the truth, equity and justice. Nobody can intimidate me, those after my life will continue to fail as they failed today,” he said.
He said that he would send a petition on attack to the Presidency, to ensure that criminal elements were flushed out of the state.
He also called on the Federal Government to act swiftly by deploying troops to arrest armed militia gangs hiding in the forests between Makurdi and Abinsi to allow peace and tranquility to reign.
