Gunmen assassinate former Benue LG chairman

 The brutal assassination of Hon. Udeh Ijachi, a former caretaker chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State, has  shocked the entire community and beyond, 

Ijachi, widely known among locals as "Honourable Ukpem," was gunned down by unidentified assailants on Thursday night, March 5, 2026, in Otukpo town. Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden and ruthless attack: the gunmen reportedly ambushed him in front of Okabido Hotel, opening fire as he returned from an outing . He was shot at close range and died from his injuries shortly after, before any medical help could make a difference.

The incident has left residents of Otukpo reeling, with many describing the former chairman as a well-regarded figure in both political and community circles. Ijachi had served as caretaker chairman of the local government, a position that placed him at the heart of grassroots administration and development efforts in the area. His tenure, though interim in nature, earned him recognition for his engagement with constituents and his visibility in local affairs.

This killing comes at a particularly painful time for the Ijachi family. Reports indicate that it follows the murder of his brother just months earlier, adding layers of grief and raising unsettling questions about possible motives or patterns behind these attacks. While no official link has been confirmed between the two incidents, the timing has fueled speculation and deepened the sense of insecurity among those close to the family.

Local authorities have yet to release a detailed statement on the motive or suspects involved. The Benue State Police Command has not publicly confirmed arrests or progress in the investigation as of the latest updates, though such cases often prompt calls for swift action from security agencies. In similar past incidents across Benue, police have emphasized ongoing probes, but communities frequently express frustration over slow progress in bringing perpetrators to justice.

The assassination has drawn swift condemnation from political figures, community leaders, and ordinary citizens alike. Many have taken to social media and local discussions to mourn Ijachi's passing and to demand better protection for public figures and residents in vulnerable areas. Otukpo, part of the Idoma-speaking region, has seen its share of political tensions and communal challenges over the years, and this latest tragedy has intensified calls for peace and accountability.

Friends and associates remember Ijachi as approachable, committed to his people's welfare, and active in local politics. His death deprives the area of a voice that many relied on for advocacy on issues ranging from infrastructure to security. In a state where farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and political rivalries have claimed numerous lives in recent times, the targeting of a former local government leader opens  the risks faced by those in public life.

 Tributes keeps  pouring in as  arrangements for Ijachi's burial are expected to be announced soon by his family. The community has urged calm while pressing for thorough investigations to uncover those responsible and prevent further bloodshed. For the moment , Otukpo and much of Benue mourn a son who dedicated years to service, only to meet a violent end in what should have been a place of safety.

Hon. Udeh Ijachi's legacy as a dedicated public servant will endure, even as the search for justice begins.