Udeh Ijachi, a former interim chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State, was assassinated on Thursday night by suspected gunmen.
Otukpo people are shocked after Ijachi, also known as “Honourable Ukpem,” was reportedly shot and killed by unidentified assailants.
The former council boss was allegedly ambushed in front of the Okabido Hotel, according to eyewitnesses. The attackers fired fire on him before fleeing, according to witness testimonies.
Moments after the gunshots, locals and onlookers went outside to see what had happened, causing panic. Many said that the gunfire left the neighborhood in disarray and that the act was startling.
Security officials have not issued an official announcement on the killing at the time of this story. Investigations are anticipated to start in order to ascertain the attack’s circumstances and identify the perpetrators.
Ijachi was well-known in the state’s political and social circles and had previously held the position of temporary chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area.
The attack’s motivation is still a mystery.
In the meantime, locals have asked security services to look into the situation in detail and bolster local security to stop it from happening again.
