Unknown gunmen assassinates Ex-Benue LG chairman

From Attah Ede Makurdi, 

A former Caretaker Chairman of  Otukpo local government area of Benue State,  Udeh Ijachi has been assassinated by unknown gunmen.

He was shot dead on Thursday night by the assailants.

An eyewitness told journalists on phone in Makurdi on Friday that, the incident happened in front of Okabido Hotel in Otukpo town where he lodged.

The eye witness further said the gunmen, whose identities are yet to be known, allegedly opened fire on him before fleeing the scene.

The killing has reignited memories of a protracted family land dispute linked to past violence in Ondo and Ogobia communities in Otukpo local government.

Recalled that the deceased younger identified as Ejeh Ijachi was killed in similar manner in September 2025.

Udeh Ijachi had reportedly survived several assassination attempts over the years, following a 2017 crisis that left eight people dead, including former PDP state chairman, retired Major Lawrence Ugboh

The tragic incident, the local said has further thrown residents of the area into panic. 

Confirming the incident, the local government area Chairman Maxwell Ogiri said, “Yes. I got the news. It was in the evening yesterday .

He was in the premises of the hotel where he lodge, he stepped down from his room and the assassin stepped down at close range and began to shoot at him, three gun shots and left immediately. 

“It was still not in a very late hour, so people were very much in the area. They fired to disperse people away, took their bike and went away.   

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 he was killed was shocking, painful and unacceptable. That is the position of the council. We pray and urged the security agencies to unravel the matter so that similar incident does not occur. . 

As at the time of filing this report, the Police are yet to release an official statement. 

When contacted, the Police Public Relations ‘Officer, PPRO DSP Udeme Edet  said, “I will get back to you”.