Otukpo Chairman, Security Chiefs Condole as Gunmen Assassinate APC Chieftain in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Gunmen have assassinated a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ejeh Udeh, in Benue State.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday night around 11 p.m. at his residence in Ondo-Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA).

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the assailants, who arrived on motorcycles, ambushed the politician at his gate.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Prince Maxwell Ogiri, said:

> “We don’t know the reasons for his murder, whether remote or immediate. But we can only say that his killers were determined. They followed him home after he returned from a hangout with friends. He parked his car and was walking into his house when they began firing from a distance, moved closer, and finished him up.”

The Chairman disclosed that he had visited Ondo-Ugboju to commiserate with the bereaved family and the community over the tragic loss.

He added:

> “I went to the scene with the DSS boss and other heads of security agencies. They assured me they would widen their search to ensure the culprits are arrested. But the gruesome murder of Ejeh has cast a dark shadow over our community. He was a respected figure, a community leader, an opinion molder, and an APC chieftain in Otukpo LGA.”

Ogiri described the act as both shocking and barbaric, stressing that it was carefully executed.

> “The killing happened around 11 p.m. in the middle of heavy rain. People were indoors when they heard gunshots. The attackers chose a perfect time for their dastardly act,” he said.

The Chairman expressed confidence that security operatives would bring the perpetrators to justice, assuring the community of government’s support.

The remains of the deceased have since been deposited at the Otukpo morgue.

During his condolence visit, Ogiri and his delegation were received by the Leader of the Otukpo Legislative Council, Hon. Anya Phillip Ahmodu, who also serves as the Councilor representing Ugboju-Ehaje Ward.

In a separate statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Joshua Otene, Ogiri described Udeh’s death as a colossal loss, not only to his family and Ugboju community but also to the entire APC family in Otukpo.

He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations, emphasizing that collective vigilance is key to defeating insecurity in the area.

The Chairman prayed for the peaceful repose of Udeh’s soul and asked God to comfort his grieving family, friends, and associates during this painful period.