Mr. Sunday Oche, the Labour Party Chairman in Igumale Ward 1 of Benue State’s Ado Local Government Area, was assassinated by gunmen suspected of being herders.
The deceased was alleged to have been shot dead in an ambush while on his way from the farm with five others, all of whom fled with serious injuries.
A friend of the deceased, who requested anonymity, revealed that the victims had gone to a farm in Igumale on Monday and were ambushed by armed herders while returning.
“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.
Written By Matthew Atungwu