From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Gunmen suspected to be hired assassins, have reportedly murdered a young lawyer identified as Mark Ofikwu, in Otukpo area of Benue State.
It was gathered that the victim was shot dead on Wednesday night at his residence located in Otukpa Street, Otukpo in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
A close neighbour to the deceased, who did not want his name mentioned in print, stated that the late barrister Ofikwu was ambushed by two armed men while waiting for his gate to be opened.
According to the source, the armed men who had laid an ambush for him appeared from hiding and shot him at a close range while he waiting for his people to open the gate.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, but medical personnel confimed him dead on arrival.
“My neighbour, a lawyer was shot around his house at Otukpa Street, in Otukpo Benue State last night.
“We lived close to each other’s house. He return home and was at his gate trying to open, two gun men shot at him and he was rushed to the hospital and he give up at the spot”, the source said.
When contacted, the Benue State command police public relations officer SP Catherine Anene confirmed the development.
SP Anene in a statement maintained that police has launched investigation to bring those behind the assassination to book.
“This incident is confirmed, and investigations are ongoing. I commiserate with his family and friends and assure them that justice will be served,” Anene said.
