Benue State Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Akatu Onche, a retired comptroller of Immigration who was brutally murdered by unknown gunmen in his home in Asa II, Otukpo Local Government Area.
The tragic incident occurred in the evening of Monday, March 31, 2025, at approximately 7:45 p.m., leaving Mr Onche dead and resulting in the abduction of three others, including a couple.
Before visiting the bereaved family, Ode held a high-level security meeting at the palace of the paramount ruler of the Idoma Nation, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu John Odogbo.
Present at the meeting were Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Musa Ujor; Gubernatorial Liaison Officer for Otukpo, Hon. Agbo Uloko; and top security officials from the Army, Police, Civil Defence, and DSS.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Deputy Governor tasked security agencies with ensuring the swift apprehension of the perpetrators and the safe return of the abducted victims.
Ode also visited the Och'Otukpo, HRH John Eimonye, where he expressed his condolences and assured the community of the government's commitment to enhancing security and preventing further attacks.
The visit comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in the area, with residents calling for urgent intervention to curb the rising wave of violent crimes.
