Tragedy struck in Zaina, near Angwar Hakimi, Orozo, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as suspected herdsmen brutally murdered a young Igala graduate, John Johnson. The gruesome killing occurred on March 29, 2025, while Johnson was attending a Boys’ Brigade camp, SaharaReporters has learned.
The young man had already endured a great personal loss, having lost his father just last year after a prolonged illness. His untimely death has plunged his family, friends, and community into deep sorrow.
The Chief of Igala in Orozo, Amadu Zachariah, confirmed the tragic incident, lamenting that security agencies had yet to apprehend the perpetrators. He detailed how the Boys’ Brigade had initially set up camp in Zaina but relocated to a nearby church due to an impending storm. As two leaders of the group returned to retrieve their belongings, they were ambushed by suspected herdsmen. One managed to escape, but Johnson was not so fortunate.
“On their way back to carry the load, people suspected to be Fulani boys laid an ambush and attacked them. One escaped, and one was killed as they ran in different directions,” Zachariah explained.
The survivor alerted villagers, who rushed back to rescue Johnson, but by the time they arrived, the assailants had already killed him.
Following the attack, local authorities, including the police, launched an investigation. Disturbingly, they discovered that Fulani herdsmen living in the area had fled, raising suspicions about their involvement. The leaders of the Fulani community assured authorities that they would help identify the attackers, but no arrests have been made.
The senseless killing has left Johnson’s family and community in anguish, with calls for justice growing louder. Meanwhile, Fortress Ministry in Abuja officially confirmed his death, describing him as a martyr who remained steadfast in his faith.
In a statement signed by Rev. Samuel Ikani, the church expressed sorrow while honoring Johnson’s devotion to the Gospel. “Bro. Johnson was martyred while standing firm in his commitment to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,” the statement read.
As grief grips the Orozo community, Johnson’s family and loved ones continue to seek justice, urging security agencies to act swiftly in bringing his killers to book. Efforts to reach the FCT Police Command for comments have so far been unsuccessful.
