The Chairman of the Labour Party in Igumale Ward 1, Ado Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, Mr. Sunday Oche, has reportedly been killed by suspected armed herdsmen in Igumale.
Sources reveal that the incident occurred as Mr. Oche was returning from his farm, accompanied by five others, when they were ambushed. While Mr. Oche was shot dead on the spot, the other five managed to escape, albeit with serious injuries.
A close friend of the deceased, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted the tragic events: “The group, consisting of six people on two motorbikes, was returning from the farm around 4:30 PM when they were ambushed by armed herdsmen, who have been terrorizing Ado LGA. The attackers flagged them down and immediately shot Mr. Oche, who was the first to be confronted. He died instantly.”
The source further detailed the escape of the other five: “Upon realizing it was an ambush, the remaining five attempted to flee, sustaining severe injuries in the process. They had to abandon their motorbikes but managed to escape.”
Following the attack, local youths mobilized to the scene but found that the assailants had already fled, leaving behind Mr. Oche’s body. The deceased leaves behind a wife and two children. His body has been recovered, and preparations are underway for his burial on Thursday, September 5, 2024. The injured survivors are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Benue State Labour Party Publicity Secretary, Tersoo Orbunde, confirmed the incident, stating: “He was the Ward Chairman from Igumale, Sunday Oche. He was attacked and killed while returning from his cassava farm. The corpse has been recovered, and we are in touch with the family to assist with burial arrangements. The matter has also been reported to the police.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, stated that she had not yet received any official information on the incident.
