The traditional ruler and District Head of Edikwu community in Apa Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state, Chief Stephen Ochekwu has been shot dead by armed men.
Spokesperson of the Benue Police Command, SP, Catherine Anene, who confirmed the development, said the royal father was shot at his residence where he had been living on self imposed exile in Ugbokpo, the Apa LG Headquarters.
“On December 31, 2021 about 12:45am, an 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 in to the matter is in progress,” said Anene
Before his gruesome murder, Chief Ochekwu who since 2014 was on self-imposed exiled and resided in Ugbokpo over a prolonged chieftaincy dispute in his community was recently reinstated to his position after being suspended from office by the state government in 2020 following the protracted crisis and killings in his domain.
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