The Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiidi Council Ward in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Hon. Igbu Terhemen, has reportedly died after he was allegedly attacked and abandoned in a bush near his residence.
Terhemen was reportedly found unconscious at about 2am on Wednesday in a bush around the NNPC Depot, along the Makurdi-Otukpo Road, on the outskirts of Makurdi, the state capital.
According to a friend of the deceased, Terhemen had left his residence on Tuesday evening to watch a local football match in the Kanshio area but failed to return home.
His disappearance reportedly prompted family members and friends to begin searching for him. He was subsequently discovered in the bush in an unconscious state but reportedly died before receiving medical attention.
The circumstances surrounding the incident have raised concerns, particularly following claims that Terhemen had an injury resembling a needle mark on his body.
A friend of the deceased, who spoke anonymously, also said Terhemen’s mobile phone was found on him, suggesting that robbery may not have been the immediate motive, although the circumstances remain unclear.
The Benue State chapter of the NDC has condemned the incident and called for an urgent investigation.
In a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Agile Bem, the party described Terhemen as a committed member who contributed significantly to the growth of the NDC in the state.
The party alleged that Terhemen was attacked by suspected hoodlums, tied with ropes, allegedly injected with an unknown substance and abandoned near his residence.
He was reportedly found in an almost unconscious condition and unable to speak or communicate before his death.
Reacting to the incident, NDC Benue State Chairman, Mr. Ohini Ojegbe, described the reported killing as a “broad-daylight evil” and urged security agencies to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
Ojegbe called for the identification and arrest of those responsible and urged authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable faces justice.
The party said Terhemen’s death was a major loss to the NDC, describing him as a dedicated member whose contributions to the party’s development would be greatly missed.
However, the Benue State Police Command said it had not received an official report concerning the incident at the time of publication.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, reportedly said the Command was yet to receive a report on the matter.
The cause of Terhemen’s death and the circumstances of the alleged attack remain subject to investigation.
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