From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
A former Caretaker Chairman Otukpo local government area of Benue State Hon. Udeh Ijachi was on Thursday shot dead by unknown gunmen.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred in front of Okabido Hotel in Otukpo town where he lodged, the gunmen, whose identities are yet to be known, allegedly opened fire on him before fleeing the scene.
The tragic incident, the source said has thrown residents of the area into panic.
Confirming the incident, the local government area Chairman Maxwell Ogiri said, “Yes. I got the news. It was in the evening yesterday (Thursday), he was in the premises of the hotel where he lodge, he stepped down from his room and the assassin stepped down at close range and began to shoot at him, three gun shots and left immediately.
“It was still not in a very late hour, so people were very much in the area. They fired to disperse people away, took their bike and went away. I wouldn’t know if he had issues with anybody but I know that a similar incident happened to his immediate younger brother Ejeh Ijachi last year. September.
“The brazen manner he was killed was shocking, painful and unacceptable. That is the position of the council. We pray and urged the security agencies to unravel the matter so that similar incident does not occur. .
As at the time of filing this report, the Police are yet to release an official statement.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations ‘Officer, PPRO DSP Udeme Edet said, “I will get back to you”.
