Mr. Sunday Oche, the Labour Party Chairman for Igumale Ward 1 in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, was tragically killed by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen. The attack took place while Oche was returning from his farm with five other individuals. According to Vanguard, while Oche was killed, the others managed to escape with serious injuries.
A close friend of the deceased, who spoke anonymously to the newspaper, recounted the harrowing event. “There were six of them who went to the farm on two motorbikes,” the source said. “They were coming back around 4:30 p.m. when they ran into an ambush by armed herdsmen who had taken over the area in Ado LGA.”
The source explained that the attackers flagged down the group, immediately shooting Oche, who was the first person they encountered. He died on the spot. “When the others realized it was an ambush, they tried to flee, but all five sustained serious injuries. They eventually escaped, abandoning their motorbikes,” the source added.
Local youths reportedly rushed to the scene but discovered that the attackers had already fled, leaving Oche’s lifeless body behind. Tersoo Orbunde, the Publicity Secretary for the Benue State Labour Party, confirmed the incident, stating, “He is a Ward Chairman from Igumale, Sunday Oche. He went to his cassava farm and was attacked and killed. They have brought his body back.”
Orbunde further mentioned that party members have gone to console Oche’s family and are awaiting arrangements for his burial. The matter has also been reported to the police for necessary action.
However, Superintendent Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer, said she had not yet received official information about the incident.
Oche’s burial is scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 2024, while the injured individuals are receiving treatment at the hospital.
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