Labour Party Chairman Killed in Benue by Suspected Herdsmen

The Labour Party Chairman for Igumale Ward 1, Mr. Sunday Oche, was killed by suspected herdsmen in Ado Local Government Area. The attack took place on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, while Oche was returning from his farm alongside five others.

According to reports, the group was ambushed around 4:30 PM as they rode back from the farm on two motorbikes. While Oche was shot dead on the spot, the five others managed to escape, though they sustained serious injuries. The assailants reportedly fled the scene before local youths arrived.

A close friend of the deceased, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing experience. “There were six of them who went to the farm. The armed herders flagged them down and immediately shot the chairman, who was the first person they confronted,” the source said.

The Benue State Labour Party’s Publicity Secretary, Tersoo Orbunde, confirmed the incident, stating that Oche had been on his cassava farm when he was attacked. “The body has been brought back, and we are currently consoling the family. The police have been notified, and we await further action.”

However, when contacted, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, said she had not yet received detailed information regarding the attack.

Oche’s burial is scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 2024, while the injured survivors are receiving treatment at a local hospital.