News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Gunmen have reportedly assassinated a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ejeh Udeh in Benue state.
It was gathered that the chieftain was murdered at his residence in Ondo-Ugboju, in Otukpo Local Government Area LGA, of the State at about 11 pm on Sunday.
The assailants, who rode on motorcycles were said to have laid ambush by his gate and immediately he drove into his compound, they opened fire on him and killed him on the spot.
The Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Prince Maxwell Ogiri, who confirmed the incident said “We don’t know the reasons for his murder, whether remote or immediate. But we can only say that his murderers were determined.
“They followed him to his house after he came back from a hangout with some friends and associates. He entered his house alone, parked his car and went to his house and they began to fire from a distance, got closer to him and then finished him up.”
The Chairman said he has paid a condolence visit to Ondo-Ugboju to commiserate with the community and, in particular, the family of the late Mr. Ejeh Udeh, who was tragic incident.
“I went to the scene in company of the DSS boss and other heads of security agencies and they promised to expand their dragnets to ensure arrest of the perpetrators.
“But the gruesome murder of Ejeh has cast a dark shadow in our community because he is a well-known figure, a community leader, an opinion molder and also a chieftain of the APC in Otukpo LG.
“Like it’s always said, a soul killed in a cold blood is more painful than tens killed in a progrom. This is one of such deaths. This Killing took place in Ondo in Ugboju, Otukpo LG. The assailant came at about 11pm and it was raining seriously at that time.
“People were indoors. It was the sound of gun shots that attracted people. They chose a perfect time to carry out their dastardly act.”
He expressed confidence that the security operative would do their best and being perpetrators to book.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue in Otukpo.
Earlier during the condolence visit, Prince Ogiri, and his team were received by the Leader of the Otukpo Legislative Council, Hon. Anya Phillip Ahmodu, who doubles as the Councilor representing Ugboju-Ehaje Ward.
In his remarks, Prince Ogiri condemned the gruesome murder of Mr. Udeh, describing the act as shocking and utterly barbaric. He charged security operatives to leave no stone unturned in their quest to unravel the mystery behind the killing and to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
He described Udeh’s death as a colossal loss, not only to his immediate family and the Ugboju community but also to the entire APC family in Otukpo Local Government.
The chairman further appealed to the residents to cooperate fully with security agencies by providing any useful information that could aid investigations into the heinous crime, stressing that collective vigilance remains vital to defeating insecurity in the area.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Joshua Otene, the Chairman prayed for the peaceful repose of Mr. Udeh’s soul and asked God to console his grieving family, friends, and associates, granting them strength and comfort in this difficult time.
