Tragedy has struck Benue State as a newly-wedded man, Jonathan Uko, and his friend, Ogoda Gabriel, were gruesomely murdered by unknown assailants on Monday, just two days after Uko’s wedding ceremony.
According to reports, the victims—both of Igede descent from Oju Local Government Area—were travelling on a motorcycle from Oju to Makurdi when they were ambushed and killed in Ulam, a Tiv-speaking community in Gwer East LGA.
Grief as Families Mourn Brutal Killings
Residents were left in shock after discovering the bodies in a community with no prior history of communal conflict with the Igede people.
One local, simply identified as Adia, recounted the pain of the community:
“Jonathan had just married on August 2. Two days later, he’s gone. Gabriel’s wife also just gave birth. It’s heartbreaking.”
While some community members alleged that local militias may be behind the killings, others suspected armed herders, citing similar recent attacks on travelers and blocked roads in the area.
“There has been no conflict between Ulam and the Igede people. We are still trying to understand what really happened,” Adia added.
Leaders React: “Barbaric and Unacceptable”
Reacting to the tragic development, Senator Abba Moro (Benue South) strongly condemned the killings, calling them barbaric and avoidable.
“This is a time when the people of Benue should unite against external aggressors. We cannot continue losing our youth like this.”
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia also issued a strong condemnation and ordered security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators within 48 hours.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said:
“The victims were attacked and killed in cold blood. No individual or group has the right to invade another community or take lives under any circumstance.”
Governor Alia Addresses Separate Clash in Buruku LGA
In addition to the Ulam killings, Governor Alia also responded to another outbreak of violence in the Nyifon community, Mbaikyongo Ward, Buruku LGA, where a dispute allegedly linked to a boat mishap led to youths from Mbayaka launching a retaliatory attack.
Describing both incidents as “unfortunate and uncalled for,” Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to protecting lives and property, urging residents across the state to maintain peace as investigations continue.
Summary:
Victims: Jonathan Uko (newly-wed) and Ogoda Gabriel
Incident: Ambushed and killed en route to Makurdi
Location: Ulam, Gwer East LGA, Benue State
Suspects: Unknown (militia or armed herders alleged)
Government Response: 48-hour ultimatum issued by Governor Alia
Additional Incident: Youth clash in Nyifon community, Buruku LGA
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