Unknown gunmen have killed the District Head of Edikwu community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, Chief Stephen Ochekwu.
Naija News learned that the traditional ruler was shot dead during an invasion of his residence where he had been living on self-imposed exile in the Ugbokpo area of the state.
Confirming Ochekwu’s death in a statement on Saturday, the State Police spokesman, SP Catherine Anene, said the monarch died from a gunshot injury he suffered on December 31, 2021.
She said: “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, 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.”
It was learned that the late monarch had since 2014 been on self-imposed exiled and resided in Ugbokpo over a prolonged chieftaincy dispute in his community.
Late Ochekwu was recently reinstated to his position after being suspended from office by the state government in the year 2020 following the protracted crisis and killings in his domain.
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