The former Chairman of Government Area","Benue State", Mr. Udeh Ijachi, has been shot dead by suspected gunmen in a late-night attack that has heightened tension in the community.
Ijachi was reportedly killed on Thursday night near a popular hotel in Otukpo town, the headquarters of Otukpo LGA, barely six months after his brother, Ejeh Udeh Ijachi, was also killed by gunmen in Ogobia-Ugboju, another town within the LGA.
A source in the area said the former council chairman was attacked around 9 p.m. by armed men believed to have trailed him to the hotel. The assailants, reportedly arriving on a motorbike, allegedly waited near the hotel before striking.
“It appeared to be a well-planned attack; the gunmen waited for him at a spot close to the hotel where he was likely lodging. When they sighted him, they approached and shot him at close range before fleeing the scene,” the source said.
The sound of gunshots reportedly sent panic through the area, forcing residents and passersby to flee. When some later checked, they found Ijachi lying in a pool of blood. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.
The killing has sparked widespread anxiety in Otukpo town, with residents speculating that it could be linked to political or local rivalries. “Some people believe the killing may be linked to long-standing disputes among different camps in the area. We are appealing to security agencies to investigate thoroughly so the situation does not spiral out of control,” the source added.
The current Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the murder, describing it as a brazen and shocking attack. “He stepped down from his room, and the assassin moved to him closely and shot him three times. After shooting, the assailant fired into the air to scare people away before fleeing on a motorbike,” Ogiri said.
He recalled the tragic killing of Ijachi’s younger brother last year, urging security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further violence.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said details would be released soon but had not provided further information at the time of this report.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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