BREAKING: Unknown Gunmen kill Benue Traditional Ruler [PHOTO]

The District Head of Edikwu community in Apa Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state, North-Central Nigeria, Chief Stephen Ada Ochekwu has been murdered by unknown gunmen.

Trixx NG learnt that before his gruesome murder, Chief Ochekwu who since 2014 was on self-imposed exiled and resided in Ugbokpo town, the Apa LG headquarters, over a prolonged chieftaincy dispute in his community was recently reinstated to his position.

He had been suspended from office by the state government (in 2020) following a protracted crisis in his domain.

The death of the royal father was confirmed in a statement on Saturday by the State Police Command in Makurdi. The release stated that Ochekwu was shot at his residence where he had been living on self-imposed exile in Ugbokpo.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSP Catherine Anene: “On December 31, 2021, at about 12:45 am information was received that Chief Stephen Ada Ochekwu of Ukpogo Edikwu village, Apa LGA of Benue State, but resident in Ugbokpo town and a Chief of Edikwu community who was suspended and recently reinstated by Benue state government over a Chieftaincy crisis in his community was shot on his stomach in his house by unknown persons while asleep.

“The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital before being transferred to Otukpo town for further medical attention.

“He eventually died at the hospital as a result of the gunshot injury. Investigation into the matter is in progress.”