Gunmen on Thursday night killed a former Caretaker Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Udeh Ijachi.
An eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity on Friday said the attack occurred in front of an hotel in Otukpo, where the victim was staying.
The eyewitness explained that the assailants opened fire on Ijachi before escaping from the scene.
The victim’s younger brother, Ejeh Ijachi, had also been killed under similar circumstances in September 2025.
Ijachi was said to have survived several assassination attempts in the past, following a 2017 crisis that claimed eight lives, including that of a former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Maj Lawrence Ugboh (retd).
Confirming the incident, the Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri said, “Yes, I got the news. It was in the evening yesterday (Thursday), he was in the premises of the hotel where he lodged, he stepped down from his room, and the assassins stepped down at close range and began to shoot at him, and left immediately.
“I wouldn’t know if he had issues with anybody but I know that a similar incident happened to his immediate younger brother, Ejeh Ijachi, last year September.
“The brazen manner in which he was killed was shocking, painful and unacceptable. That is the position of the council. We pray and urge the security agencies to unravel the matter so that a similar incident does not occur.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet said, “I will get back to you.”
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the killing of 12 people in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities located in the Yaav and Mbadura Council wards of Kwande Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, on Friday, the governor described the attack as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable.”
He expressed grief and anger over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
The governor said, “The killing in Kwande LG is senseless and unacceptable; every life matters, the loss of even one life is too many.”
He assured residents of Kwande and the state that his administration would ensure those behind the attacks are brought to justice.
The governor also directed security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest the perpetrators and prevent further violence.
Alia, who said he shared in the pain and concerns of the people of Kwande, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property and said it would not be discouraged by opposition from those who do not support peace.
He acknowledged the deployment of more than 400 security personnel to Jato Aka and other parts of Kwande but noted that the recent attacks show that further action is required.
The governor urged residents of Kwande to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives working to restore peace in the area.
However, locals said about 12 people were killed in Jato-Aka, Mbachon, and Tse-yough in the Yaav Council Ward of the local government area.
Reports also indicated that several persons were injured and some remain missing following the fresh attack.
Some residents who spoke with journalists on Friday said the incident occurred on Thursday and alleged that suspected herdsmen carried out the attack.
One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “There is currently a serious and heartbreaking attack being carried out by armed herdsmen on the people of Mbaav in Mbadura Council Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
“Many innocent lives have already been lost. Since the attack began this morning (referring to Thursday), the community has not received any form of security presence or intervention and the situation is extremely dire and terrifying for our people.
“Men, women, children, and the elderly are fleeing in different directions for safety. Mbaav village is a community near Jato Aka market. Families are scattered, homes are under threat, and the entire community is in panic and distress.
“The people of Turan are in desperate need of urgent help and immediate security intervention. Authorities and relevant security agencies must act now before more innocent lives are lost.
“We cannot continue to face this tragedy alone; we need protection, we need help now.”
The victims were identified as Shagba Tyokase, Shagba Terease, Liambee Yohane, Tordue Dooshima, Tordue Doove, Liamkpur Aondosoo, Akule John, Adezamber Gyuse, Terundu Tyozuur, and another person whose identity had yet to be confirmed.
Those injured and currently receiving treatment include Msughaondo Terfa, Nanen Terfa, Aondongu Terfa, Ahembe Shilave, Nguavese Tavershima, and Terfa Doosuur.
(PUNCH)
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