In yet another chilling episode of bloodshed in Benue State, suspected gunmen have brutally murdered Comrade Jerry Jeremiah, a prominent youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Apa Local Government Area, and Chief Adejo Anthony Denison, the respected District Head of Odugbeho in Agatu LGA.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday while the two community leaders were tending their farms along the Otukpo-Otobi-Akpa Road in Otukpo Local Government Area. According to reports from Daily Trust, the farmland—frequently leased by farmers from Agatu and neighboring areas—became a deadly trap as assailants launched a surprise attack, leaving the victims lifeless.
The brazen killing comes barely 24 hours after the assassination of another APC chieftain and six others in a spate of coordinated attacks in Gwer East and Makurdi LGAs, escalating fears of a renewed wave of violence sweeping across the state.
Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mavis James Ejeh, confirmed the death of the traditional ruler, stating, “Chief Tony Adejo was killed while diligently working on his farm in Otobi by unknown gunmen. Despite this devastating loss, Odugbeho remains calm. We urge our people to remain peaceful and not to resort to retaliation.”
Ejeh further advised residents, especially those farming outside their local government areas, to remain vigilant and cooperate closely with security agencies to forestall further tragedies.
The incident has drawn a wave of sorrow and condemnation from community stakeholders. Former Vice Chairman of Agatu LGA, John Ikwulono, and former government official, Olikita Ekani, mourned the loss of the two leaders, describing them as beacons of unity, development, and peace in their communities.
As of the time of this report, the Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, stated that she had not yet received a formal briefing on the incident.
With rural communities increasingly becoming killing fields, the call for decisive security intervention grows louder. The people of Benue, long battered by violence, now demand not just answers—but justice.
PIONEER NEWS 