Herdsmen allegedly kill Labour Party chairman in Benue

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

The deceased was said to have been shot dead in an ambush while on his way from the farm in the company of five others, who escaped with serious injuries.

A friend of the deceased, who pleaded anonymity, revealed that the victims had on Monday gone to a farm in Igumale and while on their way back, ran into an ambush by the armed herdsmen.

“There were six of them who went to the farm on two motorbikes. They were coming back about 4:30 pm, when they ran into the ambush of armed herdsmen, who were all over the place in Ado LGA.

“The armed herders flagged them down and immediately shot the Chairman, who was the first person they confronted, who died on the spot.

“When others realised it was an ambush, they tried to escape but the five of them also sustained serious injuries. Though they eventually escaped abandoning their motorbikes.

“On hearing the news of the attack, our youths mobilised and went to the scene of the incident, but the attackers had fled the scene leaving the body of the killed Chairman, who left a wife and two children.

“His body was recovered and plans are on to bury his remains on Thursday, while the injured five are currently receiving treatment at the hospital,” the source said.

The Benue State Labour Party Publicity Secretary, Tersoo Orbunde, while confirming the development, said the body had been recovered and awaiting burial.

He said: “He is a Ward Chairman from Igumale, Sunday Oche. He went to his cassava farm and he was attacked and killed. They have brought the corpse back.

“Our people have gone there to console the family and we are waiting for them to arrange for his burial to see how we can come in. The matter has also been reported to the police for necessary action.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene said she was yet to receive information on the matter.