In a tragic and alarming incident, Mr. Sunday Oche, the Labour Party Chairman of Igumale Ward 1 in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, was brutally killed by suspected herdsmen on Monday, while returning from his farm. This attack highlights the growing security concerns in the region and has sent shockwaves through the community.

According to reports from a close friend of the deceased who chose to remain anonymous, the incident occurred around 4:30 pm when Mr. Oche, accompanied by five others, was returning from a farm located in Igumale. The group, traveling on two motorbikes, was ambushed by a group of armed men believed to be herdsmen. The attackers had laid in wait, flagging down the motorbikes as they approached.

The attackers reportedly shot Mr. Oche first, killing him on the spot. The other five individuals, realizing they were caught in an ambush, attempted to flee the scene. In their desperate bid for survival, they abandoned their motorbikes and ran, but not without sustaining serious injuries. Despite their injuries, they managed to escape the attackers and are currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

The news of Mr. Oche’s death quickly spread through the community, prompting local youths to mobilize and head to the scene of the attack. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived, the assailants had already fled, leaving behind the lifeless body of Mr. Oche. His body was later recovered and has been taken to his family, who are now preparing for his burial, scheduled to take place on Thursday.

Mr. Sunday Oche was a respected figure in Igumale, known for his leadership within the Labour Party and his dedication to the community. His untimely death leaves behind a grieving wife and two children. The loss has left the community in mourning, and there is growing concern about the safety of residents in the area.

The Publicity Secretary for the Benue State Labour Party, Tersoo Orbunde, confirmed the incident and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Mr. Oche. He stated that the party has taken steps to support the bereaved family during this difficult time. Orbunde also noted that the incident has been reported to the police, who are expected to take necessary actions to investigate the matter and enhance security in the area.

However, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, indicated that she had not yet received detailed information about the incident. This has raised concerns among locals about the response time and effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing the escalating violence in the region.

The killing of Mr. Oche is a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges faced by many communities in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria. The rise in attacks by suspected herdsmen has led to widespread fear and displacement, with many people now questioning the adequacy of measures in place to protect them.

As the community prepares to lay Mr. Oche to rest, there is a renewed call for the government and security agencies to take urgent action to address the threat posed by armed groups in the region. The safety and well-being of residents must be prioritized to prevent further tragedies like this from occurring.