Gunmen Assassinate APC Chieftain Ejeh Ijachi in Benue
The Ugboju community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State has once again been plunged into mourning following the assassination of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ejeh Ijachi, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday at Ijachi’s residence. According to local sources, the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, lay in wait around his compound and opened fire at close range once he appeared.
“They surrounded him and shot at him at close range. His body has since been deposited at the morgue in Otukpo,” an eyewitness told Channels Television under the condition of anonymity.
Tied to Longstanding Land Dispute
The killing may be linked to a long-running land ownership dispute, which previously escalated into violence in 2017, resulting in the deaths of eight people in Ondo and Ogobia communities. Among the victims at that time was retired Major Lawrence Ugboh, a former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ijachi, who had previously survived multiple assassination attempts, had reportedly been involved in this deeply rooted conflict with a relative over land ownership.
LG Chairman Confirms Targeted Killing
Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the killing, stating:
“Ejeh Udeh was murdered. We don’t yet know the reasons for his murder—whether immediate or stemming from past issues—but his killers were certainly determined.”
He revealed that the gunmen had tailed Ijachi home after a hangout with friends, waited until he parked his car and entered his compound, and then opened fire from a distance before closing in to ensure he was dead.
“I visited the crime scene with the DSS boss and heads of other security agencies. They’ve assured us that they will widen their investigation and ensure the culprits are brought to justice,” Ogiri added.
Police Yet to Comment
However, when contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had not yet received official information about the incident.
