Headlines
We Missed Ortom Because of a Slight Technical Communication Error, Say Alleged Assassins
A group known as the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state.
According to PM News, the shadowy group in a statement by one Umar Amir Shehu said the attack was an assassination attempt on the governor.
The attack on Governor Ortom occurred on Saturday, March 20.
FUNAM claimed that it carried out the assault as revenge for the governor’s actions against the Fulani people. It said 11 of its members executed that raid, noting that the governor escaped because of a slight technical communication error.
FUNAM said: “Our courageous fighters carried out this historic attack to send a great message to Ortom and his collaborators: Where ever you are, once you are against Fulani long term interest, we shall get you down. This is a clear warning. We hope those who take us for granted will get the indisputable message.”
The group also threatened to sponsor attacks on Ortom, any state or individual that opposes the implementation of Rural Grazing Area (RUGA).
However, Legit.ng could not ascertain if FUNAM exists in reality or whether the statement emanated from a fifth columnist group.
Meanwhile, Governors elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reacted to the attack on the life of Governor Samuel Ortom. They disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday, March 21.
The statement which was signed by Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, chairman of the forum and Sokoto state governor said any attempt to harm any Nigerian is an attempt on all, The Cable reported.
In another report, Adamu, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has ordered a full-scale investigation surrounding the attack and alleged attempt on the life of Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom. This was made known in a series of tweets via the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Twitter account on Sunday, March 21.
While condemning the ugly incident, Adamu directed the Benue commissioner of police to beef up security in the state, most especially around the governor.
The first hostages freed from Gaza under a long-awaited ceasefire agreement are back in Israel. The news sparked jubilant scenes in Tel Aviv where large crowds gathered ahead of their release.
The three freed Israeli hostages – the first of 33 to be released over the next six weeks – are Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari. They are said to be in good health and are receiving treatment at a medical center in Tel Aviv.
In exchange, 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees are set to be released by Israel from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli military withdrew from several locations in southern and northern Gaza after the truce began earlier on Sunday, an Israeli military official told CNN.
Displaced Gazans have started returning to their homes, while the aid trucks laden with much-needed supplies have crossed into Gaza. Here’s what we know about how the ceasefire deal will work.
Hamas, despite suffering devastating losses, is framing the Gaza ceasefire agreement as a victory for itself, and a failure for Israel.
One of Hamas’ main goals for taking some 250 people during its brazen October 7, 2023, attack on Israel was to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. As Israel pounded Gaza in response, Hamas vowed not to return the hostages until Israel withdrew its forces from the enclave, permanently ended the war, and allowed for rebuilding.
Source: CNN
The leader of UK’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has said she doesn’t want Britain to be like Nigeria that is plagued by “terrible governments.”
Speaking on Thursday at an event organised by Onward, a British think tank producing research on economic and social issues, Badenoch expressed fears that Britain may become like Nigeria if the system is not reformed.
“And why does this matter so much to me? It’s because I know what it is like to have something and then to lose it,” Badenoch told the audience.
“I don’t want Britain to lose what it has.
“I grew up in a poor country and watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer, despite working harder and harder as their money disappeared with inflation.
“I came back to the UK aged 16 with my father’s last £100 in the hope of a better life.
“So I have lived with the consequences of terrible governments that destroy lives, and I never, ever want it to happen here.”
Badenoch has been in the news of late after she dissociated herself from Nigeria, saying she has nothing to do with the Islamic northern region.
She also accused the Nigeria Police of robbing citizens instead of protecting them.
She said: “My experience with the Nigeria Police was very negative. Coming to the UK, my experience with the British Police was very positive.
“The police in Nigeria will rob us (laughter). When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m black, I say well…I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.”
