Benue: How District head who fled Agatu over herdsmen attacks was killed in Otukpo

A Member of the House of Representatives, Ojema Ojotu, has confirmed the death of Chief Adejo, the district head of Odugbeho, following an attack by suspected herdsmen.

Ojotu, who represents the Apa/Agatu constituency of Benue State, disclosed the tragic news during an appearance on a TVC news program on Wednesday. According to the lawmaker, Chief Adejo had fled his village due to repeated herdsmen attacks and sought refuge in Otukpo, where he secured a piece of farmland. Tragically, it was on this same farm that he was killed by the suspected herdsmen.

Ojotu recounted the incident: “I recently received brief information about the death of the district head of Odugbeho, Chief Adejo. Also, Jeremiah from Ogbokpo—Jeremiah was just buried yesterday. The Chief had fled Odugbeho and went to Otukpo Local Government for safety. There, he got a piece of land to farm, but he was killed right on his farm, alongside Mr. Jeremiah.”

The lawmaker expressed deep concern over the state of security in Benue, lamenting the loss of lives to what he described as “endemic violence” in the region.

“There is a high level of insecurity in Benue State. The lives of human beings have no value anymore. People are dying, and nothing significant is being done to arrest the situation,” Ojotu said.

The representative went on to emphasize the frequency and audacity of the attacks: “Since I came to the House, I’ve moved no less than five motions urging the government to act on the issue of suspected herdsmen attacks. These attacks often happen in broad daylight, with no regard for safety.”

He further highlighted the dire impact on agriculture in the region, especially with the onset of the rainy season: “This is the rainy season, and people should be going to their farms in large numbers. But I can tell you for free that everyone is afraid to visit their farms.”