Panic As Newly Installed Traditional Ruler Killed

The news reaching the OSUNREPORTERS NEWS has it that a District Head has been killed in Apa Local Government Area of Benue state.

,,,,The District head known as Chief Stephen Ada Ochekwu was murdered by unknown assailants at his residence where he had been living on self-imposed exile in Ugbokpo, the Apa LG Headquarters.

According to the report, Chief Ochekwu was recently reinstated to his position after being suspended from office by the state government in the year 2020 following a protracted crisis and killings in his domain.

,,,,The crises was said to have started in 1994 and escalated in 2014 and 2020 leaving many dead. This led to the arrest of late chief and a case was preferred against him which was later dismissed for lack of diligent prosecution.

,,,,,Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Catherine Anene, has confirmed the death of traditional ruler.

“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,” Police Spokesperson explained.