A Ward Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Edikwu Council Ward, Apa Local Government Area of Nigeria’s Benue State, Nathaniel Ochoche, has been reported killed.
Ochoche was killed in an ambush by suspected armed herdsmen militia in Ankpali village.
He was said to be among the four mourners, who were killed last weekend while returning from a burial.
The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Kengkeng Ati, confirmed the sad development.
Ati said the deceased “Comrade Ochoche Nathaniel was the Edikwu Ward 2 Chairman of the party in Apa LGA. He was murdered on Friday, by Fulani herdsmen. It was reported in Apa police station.”
Secretary of the Party in the State, Tersoo Orbunde, described his death as a rude shock.
He said, “Until his death, Ochoche was a consummate party man, who worked assiduously hard for the growth of his community, constituency and country both in words and works.
“The Benue State Executive Committee of the Labour Party sends its deepest condolence to the wife, children and the entire family members of the deceased over this terrible and unfortunate incident.
“As a party with people-centred programme, we condemn in its totality the continuous callous acts of armed Fulani militia.
“We, therefore, call on the Federal and State Governments, and all relevant authorities and stakeholders to rise to the occasion of protecting the lives and properties of the people and stop the unwarranted killings by suspected criminal Fulani herdsmen.”
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, said the Command was yet to receive any report of the attack.