The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State have locked horns over governance in the state.

The Benue State government has declared its support for the Federal Government’s controversial Tax Reform Bill currently before the National Assembly.

At least 30 persons have been reportedly killed in two days of attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Kastina-Ala and Logo Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Benue State. 

Activist lawyer shot dead in Benue

By Peter Duru

Makurdi—An Otukpo based lawyer and activist, Mr. Mike Ofikwu, has been killed by armed men at his residence in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Ofikwu was shot dead by the assailants Wednesday about 8p.m., by the entrance of his residence on Otukpa Street in the ancient town.

A source in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the deceased had just returned home from work and was waiting at his entrance gate to be opened when two armed men in a vehicle drove close to him and shot him dead.

Expressing shock, he said: “It was like what you see in the movies. He just returned home and was waiting for the gate of his house to be opened for him to drive in.
“Suddenly, two men in a vehicle who were obviously trailing him, drove close to him and shot him after which they fled.

“The gunshot attracted the attention of people who ran to the scene and he was rushed to the hospital but he was already dead because he lost so much blood.

“His tragic death has thrown the Idoma community into mourning because he was a known lawyer and activist in this part of the state and country and we find it so difficult to understand the motive for his murder.”
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, who confirmed the development commiserated with the family and friends of the deceased, assuring that investigation into the matter was on “and I can assure you that justice will be served.”

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a landslide victory in the Benue State local government elections held on Saturday, winning all 23 chairmanship positions and 276 councillorship seats.