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Gunmen on Thursday night shot dead a former Caretaker Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Udeh Ijachi.
An eyewitness who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity on Friday said the incident occurred in front of the Okabido Hotel in Otukpo, where he was lodging.
According to the eyewitness, the gunmen opened fire on the deceased before fleeing the scene.
The deceased’s younger brother, Ejeh Ijachi, was killed in a similar circumstance in September 2025.
The deceased had reportedly survived several assassination attempts over the years, following a 2017 crisis which left eight people dead, including former PDP state chairman, Maj Lawrence Ugboh (retd).
Confirming the incident, the LG 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, the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the killings of 12 people in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura Council wards of Kwande Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, on Friday, described the attack as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable.”
He expressed sorrow and outrage at the loss of precious lives and extended his 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 the people of Kwande and the state that his administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.
The governor directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
Alia, who said he shared the concerns and anguish of the people of Kwande, assured them that his administration is committed to ensuring the security and safety of all citizens and he would not be deterred by resistance from those opposed to peace.
The governor acknowledged the deployment of over 400 security personnel to Jato Aka and other parts of Kwande and noted that the recent attacks indicate further action is needed.
He appealed to the people of Kwande to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as they work to restore peace to the area.
Locals in the community had said about 12 people were killed in Jato-Aka, Mbachon, Tse-yough in Yaav Council Ward of the local government.
Several people were reported to have been and missing in a fresh attack in the area.
Some of the locals who spoke to journalists on Friday said the attack occurred on Thursday, alleging that suspected herdsmen carried it out
A 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.”
They gave the names of the deceased as Shagba Tyokase, Shagba Terease, Liambee Yohane, Tordue Dooshima, Tordue Doove, Liamkpur Aondosoo, Akule John, Adezamber Gyuse, Terundu Tyozuur, and one whose identity was yet to be ascertained.
Those injured and are said to be currently receiving treatment as Msughaondo Terfa, Nanen Terfa, Aondongu Terfa, Ahembe Shilave, Nguavese Tavershima, Terfa Doosuur.
