NDC Ward Chairman Killed in Benue, Party Demands Arrest of Perpetrators

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Fiidi Council Ward, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Igbu Terhemen, has reportedly been killed by unknown assailants.

Terhemen was reportedly found unconscious in a bush near his residence around the NNPC Depot along the Makurdi-Otukpo Road, on the outskirts of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

A friend of the deceased, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Terhemen left his residence on Tuesday evening to watch a local football match in the Kanshio area but failed to return home.

According to the source, family members and friends became concerned when he did not return and subsequently launched a search for him.

The source said Terhemen was eventually discovered at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday in a bush near his residence in an unconscious state.

He reportedly died before he could receive medical attention.

The source also claimed that Terhemen’s mobile phone was found on him, suggesting that robbery might not have been the motive for the attack.

He further alleged that a needle-like injury was noticed on the deceased’s body, raising suspicion that he might have been injected with an unidentified substance.

However, the circumstances surrounding his death and the claims about the alleged injection have not been independently established by security authorities.

The incident has generated concern among members of the NDC, with the Benue State chapter condemning Terhemen’s death and calling for a thorough investigation.

In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Agile Bem, the NDC described Terhemen as a committed and dedicated member who contributed significantly to the growth of the party in the state.

The party alleged that Terhemen was attacked by suspected hoodlums, tied with ropes and injected with a substance suspected to be poisonous before being abandoned near his residence.

According to the party, he was found in an almost unconscious state and was unable to speak or communicate before he died.

Reacting to the incident, the NDC State Chairman, Ohini Ojegbe, condemned the killing and called on security agencies to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding Terhemen’s death.

Ojegbe urged security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

The party described the deceased as a committed member whose contributions would be greatly missed, particularly at a time when his services were needed.

It also extended condolences to his family, the Fiidi community and members of the NDC in Benue State.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the command had yet to receive a formal report on the incident as of the time of filing this report.