By Charles Pemu 
Makurdi, Benue State – Tension has gripped parts of Benue South after armed herdsmen reportedly killed a traditional ruler, Chief Anthony Adejoh, and a farmer, Jerry John, during a fresh assault on the Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The victims were reportedly working on their farms on Wednesday morning when the attackers struck. Gunshots were heard around 10 a.m., and local residents who rushed to the scene found both men dead.
Chief Adejoh was the District Head of Odugbeho in neighbouring Agatu LGA.
Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Marvis Ejeh, confirmed the incident, describing the slain monarch as a respected peace advocate and community leader.
“Chief Tony Adejoh was gruesomely murdered by armed herdsmen while tending his farm in Otobi,” Ejeh said. “It’s a huge loss for Agatu. He was a man of peace, deeply committed to the development of his people.”
Despite the tragic news, the Agatu LGA Chairman urged the community to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions.
“We will not take the law into our hands. Agatu remains peaceful. The incident happened outside our local government area, and we trust security agencies to do their job,” he added.
He also advised Agatu indigenes farming in other LGAs to be vigilant and to coordinate with local authorities to ensure their safety.
“As the government intensifies efforts to tackle insecurity in Benue South, our people must take extra care, especially those residing outside their home communities,” he said.
When contacted, the Benue State Police spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, said she had not yet received an official report on the incident.