Follow Us on Google
…Alia, Ortom mourn
From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has arrested one Aondohemba Joseph in connection with the assassination of a former President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Margaret Igbetar, (rtd).
Recall that the retired Justice was murdered in her home in Makurdi, Benue State capital, by unknown persons.
The Commissioner of police in the state, CP Batholomew Onyeka, in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, on Saturday, said, one Aondohemba has been arrested in connection with the case.
The Commissioner who noted that the police are intensifying efforts to unravel the mystery said “On 24/8/2023 at about 1530hrs, information was received at ‘E’ Police Division Makurdi, that Justice Margaret Mary Igbetar (rtd) could not respond to calls and was nowhere to be found.”
He explained that detectives were immediately deployed for investigation and a search conducted within her house at Wantor Kwange Street, Gboko road, Makurdi, led to the discovery of her dead body in a pool of her own blood inside her kitchen.
“It was also observed that she had deep cuts at her back.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of one Aondohemba Joseph and recovery of exhibits for detailed investigation.”
While commiserating with the family and friends of the deceased, CP Onyeka condemned what he described as a dastardly act.
He assured of his commitment to ensure that the police unravel the mystery behind her death and bring the perpetrators of the barbaric act to book.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has condemned the murder of the former President, Customary Court of Appeal.
Alia expressed worry why a citizen who has contributed her quota to the development of the society, especially, someone like late Justice Igbetar, who was not only a minister in the temple of justice but also fought hard in various capacities to ensure that the rights and liberties of all, especially vulnerable members of the society are respected and upheld, will be murdered in cold blood.
The Governor, who said the murder remains a shock to him, directed security agencies to swing into action and endure the perpetrators of the heinous act are apprehended and brought to book.
Alia described Justice Igbetar’s murder is a great loss to her family, the judicial system, the state, and humanity at large and prayed God to rest her soul.
Similarly, the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has expressed sadness over the murder of the former President of the state Customary Court of Appeal.
Ortom, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Terver Akase, described the assassination of Justice Igbetar as barbaric, condemnable and unacceptable, stressing that those behind the act have killed a mother of the state who made huge sacrifices and contributions to its development.
He said “it is disheartening that a woman who spent her prime serving the state and retired to private life would be murdered in cold blood.”
Ortom expressed the hope that security agencies will apprehend the assassins and make them face the law.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of Mrs Igbetar and consoled her entire family, urging them to take solace in the fact that their mother lived a life of excellence in service to God and humanity.
