Tragedy struck in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on Wednesday night as prominent lawyer and activist, Mike Ofikwu, was gruesomely murdered by unknown gunmen outside his residence.
The shocking incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on Otukpa Street. Mr. Ofikwu, returning from work, was ambushed while waiting for his gate to be opened.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the assailants, suspected to have been tailing him, drove close to his car and shot him at point-blank range before fleeing.
“It felt like something out of a movie,” an anonymous source disclosed. “He had just returned home and was waiting for his gate to be opened when the attackers struck. The gunshot drew people to the scene, but by the time he was rushed to the hospital, he had already lost too much blood.”
The untimely death of Mr. Ofikwu has plunged the Idoma community into mourning. Widely respected for his legal expertise and commitment to social justice, he was a well-known figure both within Benue State and beyond.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, expressed sympathy for the family and friends of the deceased.
“We deeply commiserate with the family during this time of grief,” Anene said. “A thorough investigation is ongoing, and we assure the public that those responsible will be brought to justice.”
While the motive behind the killing remains unclear, the police have called on members of the public with useful information to assist in the investigation.