The Labour Party Chairman in Igumale Ward 1 of Ado Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state, Mr. Sunday Oche has been reportedly murdered by suspected armed herdsmen in Igumale.
It was gathered that the deceased was shot dead in an ambush while on his way from the farm in company of five others who escaped with serious injuries.
The source who is a friend of the deceased but spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the victims had yesterday (Monday) gone to farm in Igumale and while on their way back home ran into an ambush of armed herdsmen.
He said: “They were six of them who went to the farm on two motorbikes. They were coming back around 4:30pm when they ran into the ambush of armed herdsmen who are all over the place in Ado LGA.
“The armed herders flagged them down and immediate shot the Chairman who was the first person they confronted. He 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 abadoning their motorbikes.
“On hearing the news of the attack our ward 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 September 5, 2024 while the injured five are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.”
Confirming the development, the Benue state Labour Party Publicity Secretary, Tersoo Orbunde 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 on the arrangement for his burial to see how we can come in. The matter has also been reported to the police for necessary action.”
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene said she was yet to receive information on the matter.