Labour Party Chairman Allegedly Killed by Herdsmen in Benue

The Labour Party chairman in Benue was allegedly murdered by herdsmen, raising concerns over security in the region.

Mr. Sunday Oche, the Labour Party Chairman in Igumale Ward 1 of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State has been killed by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.

It was reported that the individual who passed away had been fatally shot in an ambush while returning from their farm with a group of five individuals, all of whom sustained severe injuries but survived.

An anonymous friend of the deceased disclosed that while returning from a farm in Igumale on Monday, the victims were ambushed by armed herdsmen.

Six individuals had traveled to the farm via two motorbikes. While returning at approximately 4:30 pm, they encountered a group of armed herdsmen who were situated throughout Ado LGA in an ambush.

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As soon as the armed herders stopped them, they shot and killed the Chairman on the spot, who happened to be their first target.

On realizing the ambush, others attempted to flee but suffered severe injuries along with the five. Eventually, they abandoned their motorbikes and managed to escape.

Our young people mobilized and rushed to the site of the incident upon learning about it, only to find that the culprits had already fled. Unfortunately, they discovered our chairman’s deceased body at the location – he leaves behind a wife and two children.

According to the source, his remains were found and arrangements have been made for a burial on Thursday. Meanwhile, the hospital is providing treatment to the five individuals who sustained injuries.

Confirming the incident, Tersoo Orbunde – the Publicity Secretary of Benue State Labour Party disclosed that they have recovered the corpse and it is presently awaiting interment.

According to him, Sunday Oche, a Ward Chairman from Igumale was killed while tending his cassava farm. His lifeless body has since been retrieved and brought back.

We have sent our team to provide condolence to the family and are currently awaiting their arrangements for burial before offering further assistance. Additionally, we have notified authorities of the situation for appropriate measures.

Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that she had not yet been informed about the issue when contacted.