From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The District Head of Odugbeho, Agatu Local Government, Benue State, Tony Adejo, has been killed by suspected armed herders.
The chairman of Agatu LGA, James Ejeh, confirmed this to newsmen yesterday ,May 8, 2025.
Ejeh, who spoke with newsmen on phone in Makurdi, said Adejo was killed in his farm at Akpa-Otobi by suspected herders who invaded the area at about 10am of Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
He described the deceased as a peace builder, an astute community builder and a community leader saying that his wise counsel and leadership style would be missed by all.
He said that the late Adejo was working on his farm in Otobi, Otukpo LGA, before some criminals herders met him and killed him.
“I can confirm to you that the district head of Odugbeho, Chief Tony Adejo has been killed. He was killed by some armed men while working on his farm at Otobi in Otukpo LG.
“Despite hearing this ugly news, Odugbeho community is calm, our people are calm because we will not take laws into our hands. We are just mourning the death of a community leader.
“Nobody is taking laws into their hands, there is no need for reprisal attack. Therefore, Agatu is calm and peaceful as usual.”
He called on Agatu indigenes,who are in and outside Agatu communities to be security conscious and be closer to security agents to avoid falling victims of herder’s attacks.
He further urged them to relate closely with the chairman of any local government areas they are and also work with other local authorities and community leaders and be ready to report any suspicious criminal to the appropriate authorities.
“Agatu people residing and farming in other local government areas should be careful and watchful with their movements. They should liaise with local authorities and know the areas that is safe to work for now, since government is trying to curb insecurity in the whole of Zone C.”
Benue state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to get the report about the incident.