Gunmen kill former Otukpo LGA Chairman Udeh Ijachi in Benue

By Johnson Arua

The former Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Mr. Udeh Ijachi, has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Otukpo town, sparking tension across the community.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday night near a popular hotel in the town, where the attackers allegedly ambushed the former council boss and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.

Sources in the area said the assailants, who were on a motorcycle, appeared to have laid in wait for their target before carrying out the attack at about 9 p.m.

“It looked like a planned attack. The gunmen were on a motorbike and waited for him at a spot close to the hotel where he was believed to be staying,” a source said. “As soon as they sighted him, they approached and shot him at close range before escaping.”

The sound of gunshots reportedly caused panic in the area as residents fled for safety. When some people later returned to the scene, the former chairman was found lying in a pool of blood.

“He was quickly rushed to the hospital, but we were told he was already dead by the time they arrived,” the source added.

The killing comes barely six months after the victim’s brother, Mr. Ejeh Udeh Ijachi, was also shot dead by armed men in Ogobia-Ugboju community in Otukpo LGA, an incident that reportedly occurred in the presence of his wife.

Residents say the latest killing has heightened fears and anxiety in Otukpo, with some linking the incident to lingering political or communal rivalries in the area.

“As we speak, there is palpable tension in Otukpo,” another resident said. “Some people believe his death may be connected to a deep-rooted feud among different camps in the community.

It was even alleged that he had been hiding in the hotel before his killers tracked him down.”

The source warned that the situation could escalate if urgent action is not taken by security agencies.

“This might not be the end of the crisis. We are appealing to security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure those responsible are brought to justice before the situation worsens,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, condemned the killing, describing it as unacceptable and a threat to peace in the community.

He urged security agencies to take swift and decisive steps to apprehend the perpetrators and halt the growing trend of targeted killings in the area.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she would get back with details but had not responded further as of the time of filing this report.