Tragedy struck in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday when gunmen assassinated a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ejeh Udeh, at his residence in Ugboju community.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the killing, stating that one suspect had already been arrested while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others linked to the attack.
Police spokesperson, SP Udeme Edet, said in a brief statement:
“Yes, it’s confirmed that the incident occurred and one of the suspects has been arrested and is in police custody. Investigation is still ongoing to capture the other suspects.”
How the Attack Happened
Eyewitnesses revealed that the assailants stormed the politician’s home around midnight, arriving on motorcycles and laying in wait around the compound.
A resident identified as Inalegwu narrated:
“Some gunmen invaded the APC chieftain’s residence around midnight. Possibly, they knew he wasn’t inside at first. But as soon as he drove in later that night, they shot him repeatedly at close range before fleeing the scene.”
Another account indicated that the attackers carried out the assassination during a heavy downpour, which kept most residents indoors.
Council Chairman Reacts
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri, expressed shock over the killing, describing the deceased as a respected community leader.
Ogiri said:
“We don’t know the motive behind his murder, but it was clearly a calculated attack. The gunmen followed him home after he returned from a hangout. They shot him from a distance, then moved closer to finish him off at close range. It was a brutal and determined act.”
He added that the killing occurred at about 11 p.m., during heavy rainfall, noting that the gunshots drew the attention of neighbors who later reported the matter to the police.
Rising Insecurity in Benue
The killing comes just days after three security personnel were murdered and eight others declared missing during clearance operations in Katsina Ala Local Government Area.
The latest incident has deepened fears over the worsening insecurity in Benue State, raising concerns about targeted political violence in the region.
