Murder accusations trail Benue gov’s aides

Just over a year into the tenure of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, at least four top officials of his administration have been linked to murder of indigenes, including government officials.

First was the governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Arch. Joe Ikyaagba, who has already resigned from Ortom’s cabinet. He was arrested by the police with eight others in June this year over the killing of Denen Igbana, Ortom’s Senior Special Assistant on Security, at his Tion-Sha residence along Naka Road in Makurdi on May 20, 2016.

Ikyaagba was arraigned in court for conspiracy and murder but was granted bail by Justice Adah Onum on health grounds on July 11. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Bem Melladu, last week confirmed the resignation of Ikyagbaa, who was suspended after his arrest on June 4. He was on his way out of the country on an official assignment when arrested.

Daily Trust, November 12

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