Benue lawmaker decries killing of two constituents, calls for urgent intervention

The Member representing Oju I State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Pastor Onah Blessed Emmanuel, has condemned the gruesome murder of two of his constituents—Gabriel Ogoda and Ogah Jonathan Ukoh—who were reportedly ambushed and killed along the Ulam axis of the Oju–Awajir Road on Sunday. In a statement issued on Monday, the […]

The Member representing Oju I State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Pastor Onah Blessed Emmanuel, has condemned the gruesome murder of two of his constituents—Gabriel Ogoda and Ogah Jonathan Ukoh—who were reportedly ambushed and killed along the Ulam axis of the Oju–Awajir Road on Sunday.

In a statement issued on Monday, the lawmaker described the killings as “barbaric, senseless, and deeply troubling,” calling on the Benue State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and other relevant security agencies to launch an immediate investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to family accounts, Jonathan Ukoh had just completed his traditional marriage rites on Saturday, August 2, 2025, and was travelling back to Makurdi the following day with his friend, Gabriel Ogoda, whose wife is reportedly near delivery. Both men were attacked, murdered in cold blood, and their motorcycles taken.

A man identified as Audu, who claimed to hail from Ulam, was initially answering calls from Jonathan’s phone after the incident. He allegedly assured the family that he would take them to the location of the bodies but later switched off his phone, fueling suspicions of possible complicity.

“This is not the first time Igede commuters have faced harassment and extortion along that route,” Pastor Emmanuel said. “I have personally suffered intimidation on that road, including just yesterday, before this tragic incident occurred. These attacks are unprovoked, and they must stop.”

The lawmaker expressed concern that Igede people are being subjected to persistent insecurity, despite not being at war with any neighbouring communities. He warned that if immediate action is not taken, the entire Igede nation risks being effectively cut off from the rest of the state.

Observers recall that the road has long been a flashpoint for violence. About two years ago, at least 12 soldiers were reportedly ambushed and killed in the area—an incident that drew national outrage and underlined the persistent danger surrounding the Igede axis.

Pastor Emmanuel further highlighted the deteriorating situation on the Obarike–Mbakine Road, which has become impassable due to an unresolved communal conflict between the Oju-Mole community (of Igede extraction) and the Mbakine people (of Tiv extraction), both in Gwer East Local Government Area.

With both roads—Oju–Awajir and Obarike–Mbakine—now deemed unsafe, the entire Igede region is practically locked out of the Benue State capital, Makurdi.

“Igede is not at war with the Tiv in either Konshisha or Gwer East. Our people are peace-loving and deserve the right to move freely and safely within the state,” he added.

The lawmaker called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to direct security agencies to immediately deploy not fewer than two patrol teams to the Oju–Awajir Road to restore order and prevent further attacks.

He also appealed to traditional rulers, political leaders, and spiritual authorities from Konshisha and Gwer East to come together in dialogue and chart a sustainable path to peace.

“Innocent lives are being lost, families are grieving, and the fabric of inter-communal coexistence is being torn apart. We must act now—collectively and decisively,” he said.

Pastor Emmanuel urged the Igede people to remain calm and law-abiding as efforts to ensure justice and long-term security are intensified.