Tragedy struck in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, as gunmen reportedly attacked and murdered Chris Terfa-Ikpu, a humanitarian worker and Executive Director of Concerned Youth Development Initiative (CYDI).
The attack occurred at his office around the Catholic Youth Centre church.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen traced Terfa-Ikpu to his office and shot him multiple times, resulting in his death.
It is alleged that one of his staff members led the gunmen to the office. The security guard on duty was also shot during the incident.
A source close to the victim, revealed that Terfa-Ikpu had recently returned to Makurdi after a period of absence.
According to him the victim visited his office on Friday to attend to some matters before meeting his untimely demise.
The gunmen used pillows to muffle the sound of their victim’s cries, attempting to avoid detection.
Despite efforts to save him, Terfa-Ikpu was pronounced dead at the hospital.
His body has been deposited at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia has condemned the assassination of Chris Terfa, a prominent health rights advocate and leader in Nigeria’s development sector.
A statement by his chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula said the Governor along with some top government officials visited the family of the deceased earlier on Sunday, after church service, expressing deep sorrow over the loss and extends his condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
The Governor recalled the deceased’s significant contributions to the health and human rights sectors, particularly his efforts in advocating for vulnerable populations in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Governor Alia commended the prompt actions of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of E Division, Daniel Ezeala, and his team, as the ongoing investigation aims to uncover further details and identify the culprits.
EDITOR: TIENABESO BIBIYE
