A former caretaker chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State, Udeh Ijachi, has reportedly been killed by suspected gunmen.
The late politician, popularly known in political circles as “Honourable Ukpem,” was reportedly ambushed by unidentified attackers who opened fire on him at close range, killing him instantly.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred on Thursday night in Otukpo, where the former council boss was shot near a popular hospitality facility in the town.
Sources said the assailants fled the scene immediately after carrying out the attack, leaving residents running for safety as panic spread across the area.
“We heard gunshots and people began running in different directions,” a resident said. “When things became clearer, we realised that Honourable Ukpem had been shot. It is a very disturbing development for this community.”
Although the motive behind the killing remains unclear, the incident has heightened tension in Ugboju, the hometown of the deceased, where residents are already demanding justice.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. However, investigations are expected to commence to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible.
