Hon. Ejeh Udeh, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a respected political figure, was tragically assassinated by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Otukpo, Benue State. The incident, which has plunged his family and the wider Otukpo community into mourning and panic, occurred late on Sunday, September 21, or in the early hours of Monday, September 22, 2025.

Reports indicate that the assailants, who were riding on motorcycles, ambushed Udeh at his residence in the Ugboju community (also referred to as Ondo village or Ogobia – Ugboju) as he returned home. Eyewitnesses recounted that the gunmen lay in wait, surrounding him the moment he stepped into his compound, and opened fire at close range. The brutal attack reportedly took place in the presence of his wife and children. Neighbours recalled hearing sporadic gunshots that shattered the silence of the night, noting that it was raining heavily at the time, which may have kept many residents indoors.

Upon the discovery, Udeh was found lying in a pool of blood. He was subsequently confirmed dead, and his remains have since been deposited at the Otukpo General Hospital morgue. Beyond his role as an APC chieftain, Udeh was known as a community leader, an opinion moulder, and a brother to a former Otukpo local government chairman, making his loss a devastating blow to Idoma politics and the local community.

The assassination has created widespread fear, with residents of Ogobia reportedly remaining in their houses and some being chased back home when attempting to go to their farms. Efforts to get immediate confirmation from the Benue State Police Command were initially unsuccessful, with the Public Relations Officer, SP Anene Sewusese, not responding to calls or messages. Later, DSP Udeme Edet, PPRO for Benue Command, stated she was yet to receive a report of the incident. In contrast, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the murder to journalists, stating he had visited the scene with the DSS boss and other security heads, who pledged to expand their investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.

The gruesome murder of Hon. Ejeh Udeh has cast a dark shadow over the community, underscoring the determination of his killers and leaving a profound sense of loss for a man described as a well-known and influential figure in the region.